Thailand Keen on US LNG Supplies

Thailand is urging the US to assist in supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG), said Virabongsa Ramangkura, chairman of the Strategic Committee for Reconstruction and Future Development.

The Bangkok Post quoted Ramangkura as saying that during US President Barack Obama's visit last month Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra asked the US to sign an agreement with Thailand on supplying 2.5 million tonnes a year of LNG over 20 years. Thailand has not entered into an FTA with the US and is treated as a Non-FTA Partner.

Virabongsa, who is also chairman of the Bank of Thailand's executive board, said over the past five years the US has increased its capacity of gas by 500,000 tonnes a year, with plans to explore further resources in the seas. If there is no impact to the environment that triggers protests, the US can produce even more petroleum and gas, which would lower prices.