Key facts
- Myanmar's gas field development, particularly in the Yadana field, is resuming.
- Thai energy companies are set to begin drilling operations.
- Western companies had withdrawn from Myanmar following the 2021 military takeover.
- The move aims to address the energy gap created by the exit of Western majors.
Development work on Myanmar's gas fields is set to resume, with energy companies from Thailand preparing to commence drilling. This comes after many Western companies withdrew from the country following its 2021 military takeover. The Yadana gas field, in particular, had seen its operations stalled.
The move by Thai energy firms aims to fill the void left by the departure of Western majors and address the country's energy needs. PTT group, a prominent Thai energy company, is also noted for its plans to develop oil fields in Malaysia, indicating broader regional energy sector activity.
Myanmar's energy sector has been significantly impacted by the political situation, with international relations shifting as China, Russia, and India increase their presence through transit corridors. The country is also working towards self-sufficiency in jet fuel with refinery upgrades.