The world is facing a major global energy crisis because of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have created the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market. Thailand is known as a net importer of oil, relying on foreign sources for its crude oil to meet high consumption. Not many people are aware that the country is actually also an oil producer. The first oilfield to be discovered in Thailand is Sirikit Oilfield in Lan Krabue District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, in the lower North.

The Sirikit Oilfield was discovered in 1981 by the then concession owner, Thai Shell Exploration and Production Company, Ltd. Production from the oilfield started in December 1982 from the exploration well “Lan Krabue A01.” It was the first time in Thailand’s history that onshore crude oil was produced for commercial purposes. To this day, the Sirikit Oilfield remains the country’s largest onshore oilfield.

The discovery of the oilfield in Lan Krabue was considered significant, especially for the energy sector in Thailand. At that time, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit celebrated her 50th birthday anniversary. In honor of Her Majesty on this auspicious occasion, the then Prime Minister General Prem Tinsulanonda requested the permission of Her Majesty to name the oilfield “Sirikit Oilfield.” 

On 12 January 1983, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother graciously presided over the opening ceremony of the oilfield, upon which the “Sirikit Oilfield” name was bestowed by Her Majesty. Crude oil from this source is called “Phet Crude Oil,” named after Kamphaeng Phet Province.

In October 1985, PTT Exploration and Production Public Co., Ltd. (PTTEP) entered into a joint venture with Thai Shell for this onshore concession block with a 25% shareholding, while Thai Shell held the remaining 75%. In January 2004, with the acquisition of Thai Shell’s shares, PTTEP became the operator of the Sirikit Oilfield.

Today, the oilfield covers an area of 1,326 square kilometers across three provinces, namely Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, and Sukhothai. Throughout more than four decades, the Sirikit Oilfield has served as a major domestic crude oil source, contributing to Thailand's energy security and helping reduce imports. It is also regarded as the foundation for energy on Thai soil.