Thailand Launches 26th Bidding Round and CCS Project

Thailand has formally opened its 26th petroleum exploration bidding round, offering access to more than 60,200 square kilometers of deepwater acreage. Energy Minister Akanat Promphan unveiled this opportunity at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, positioning the country as a strategic gateway for regional energy investment. The move aims to secure new hydrocarbon supplies to support industrial growth and energy stability in Southeast Asia.

Simultaneously, the government confirmed that the Arthit carbon capture and storage pilot project has reached final investment decision. This milestone establishes Thailand as the first country in the region to advance shared CCS infrastructure, anchoring a future hub on the Eastern Seaboard. The project is designed to serve multiple industrial emitters, extending beyond the oil and gas sector to support broader decarbonization goals by 2050.

Deepwater Acreage Opens to Global Bidders

The 26th bidding round targets high-potential deepwater areas to augment domestic production. Minister Promphan cited the International Energy Agency’s projection of global gas demand at 4,280 billion cubic meters annually, emphasizing the sector’s resilience over the coming decades. Thailand currently maintains 19 million tonnes of LNG import capacity, with plans to expand this to 27 million tonnes to meet increasing regional consumption.

Officials stated that the bidding round seeks to attract partnerships for innovative gas supply, joint procurement, and co-investment. The strategy focuses on building a more resilient and interconnected global supply system rather than merely increasing volumes. This approach aligns with the broader objective of securing long-term energy infrastructure stability for the industrial base.

Arthit CCS Project Reaches Investment Decision

The final investment decision for the Arthit CCS pilot marks a critical step in Thailand’s net-zero roadmap. The facility is intended to serve as a shared hub for carbon capture, allowing various industrial sectors to reduce emissions using existing infrastructure. Promphan highlighted that hydrogen and ammonia will also play roles in lowering carbon intensity, complementing the CCS efforts.

This development positions Thailand at the forefront of low-carbon technology adoption in the region. The project supports the government’s commitment to a broad portfolio of innovations for hard-to-abate sectors. By integrating CCS with traditional gas operations, Thailand aims to bridge the energy transition while maintaining industrial competitiveness.

Gastech 2026 Highlights Regional Energy Cooperation

The announcement coincided with the return of Gastech to Thailand, attracting over 5,000 attendees from 150 countries. The event featured more than 25 government ministers and 850 companies, underscoring the sector’s global importance. New conference sectors dedicated to electrification and artificial intelligence for energy were introduced, reflecting evolving industry priorities.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reinforced these themes in the official opening address, linking gas’s role in the transition to the country’s push for clean-energy investment. He also unveiled a new rooftop solar support scheme. The government’s strategy relies on cooperation and technology to transform energy challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.