Energy Minister Siri Jirapongphan said four companies intend to bid on both gas blocks, while Total is only vying for Erawan. Currently, the two blocks produce a combined average of 2,110 MMSCFD, accounting for up to 75% of gas production in the Gulf of Thailand. "We have no worries regarding our finances, drilling technology and experience because we have several oil and gas blocks across the region," Mr Nabhani said. Sarawut Kaewtathip, the department's deputy director-general, said capital expenditure to invest in the upcoming auction for the Erawan and Bongkot gas blocks is projected at roughly 1.2 trillion baht during 2022-33. This investment is also aimed at generating 700 billion baht in revenue for the country, while the winning bidders will gain 200 billion from the auction.

Source: Bangkok Post May 17, 2018 00:56 UTC