Thailand’s Energy Minister, Akanat Promphan, speaking at Gastech 2026, highlighted Thailand’s potential to become a regional energy connectivity hub, supported by its strategic location, advanced industrial manufacturing capabilities, leading energy companies, and skilled professionals.

Gastech 2026, being held in Thailand from 14 to 17 September, is considered one of the world’s largest energy forums. This marks its historic return to the country for the first time since 2008. 

The Minister noted that natural gas remains a backbone of the energy transition and a strategic pillar of energy infrastructure. This aligns with the latest outlook from the International Energy Agency (IEA), which estimates global gas demand at around 4,800 billion cubic meters a year and is expected to remain resilient over the coming decade.

To meet this demand, Thailand is opening up investment opportunities to international partners in Thailand’s 26th petroleum exploration bidding round, covering more than 60,200 square kilometers of high-potential deepwater areas. Thailand is also expanding its liquefied natural gas (LNG) import capacity from 19 million to 27 million tonnes, strengthening its capacity to support growing energy demand in the region.