BANGKOK Feb 19 — Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha asserted that he was listening to all sides before concluding arrangements for domestic petroleum exploration and production concession bids.
Gen Prayut said that the public forum on the 21st round of petroleum concession bids would take place at Government House Friday as planned although some groups demanded it be postponed until he agreed to attend it.
The premier said he was listening to all parties and could conduct a nationwide opinion survey before reaching a conclusion.
Gen Prayut said although he would not attend the forum, he could listen to it as the session would be televised live.
Some groups planned to grill him, he said, urging them to attend the forum themselves, saying it would be illegal for them to make their movements elsewhere.
The prime minister said the Energy Ministry and the government had to comply with the Energy Act; otherwise, they could be held accountable for wrongdoing.
The alternatives are for the government to set up joint ventures or fully invest in petroleum exploration and production itself.
The government was not ready for the whole investment alternative which was costly, Gen Prayut said. Besides, any amendment to the Energy Act would take three months. (MCOT online news)
