BANGKOK, Feb 16 — The government should decide whether to proceed with the 21st petroleum concession bidding round after a public hearing is held on Feb 20.
Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd, deputy government spokesman, said the government will hold a forum on Feb 20 amid opposition to the bidding.
The forum will involve all concerned parties including the Energy Ministry, academics, the public and investors.
Forum findings will be reported to the government, the National Legislative Assembly, the National Reform Council and the public.
The deputy spokesman said that the forum showed the government’s sincerity and intention for petroleum production to serve the national interest.
Maj Gen Sansern said that the forum would be the last on the issue and the government would make a decision afterward.
Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon said there were no vested interests behind the biddings and the government was willing to postpone the contest to listen to all parties.
However, the government must find new sources of energy for the benefit of the people, and the nation, he said, as existing sources were running out . (MCOT online news)
