Thailand's petrochemical demand grows; two plants proposed

July 21, 1997

Burgeoning petrochemical demand in Thailand shows little sign of abating, with plans looming for two new world-class aromatics projects. Petroleum Authority of Thailand plans a $1.2 billion complex in a 60-40 joint-venture with Chevron Corp. to produce 675,000 metric tons/year of paraxylene and 600,000 tons/year of benzene. The complex, to be located at Mab Ta Phut industrial complex at Rayong, is due to come on stream in 2000.

Burgeoning petrochemical demand in Thailand shows little sign of abating, with plans looming for two new world-class aromatics projects.

Petroleum Authority of Thailand plans a $1.2 billion complex in a 60-40 joint-venture with Chevron Corp. to produce 675,000 metric tons/year of paraxylene and 600,000 tons/year of benzene.

The complex, to be located at Mab Ta Phut industrial complex at Rayong, is due to come on stream in 2000.

The project marks Chevron's entry into Thailand's basic petrochemicals sector, and the plant will be the biggest grassroots aromatics plant in the kingdom, officials said.

Exxon's project

Meanwhile, Exxon Corp. is poised to begin a $400 million project that will yield 350,000 tons/year of paraxylene, 67,000 tons/year of benzene, and 249,000 tons/year of heavy aromatics.

The complex is scheduled to be operational in 1999.

Pending final corporate approvals, construction could start in October.

The plant would be located adjacent to Exxon's 145,000 b/d refinery at Si Racha, Chon Buri, which will provide feedstock for the aromatics complex.