By an OGJ correspondent
BANGKOK, May 9 -- Thailand's state-controlled PTT Exploration & Production PLC (PTTEP) secured a 25-year license from National Iranian Oil Co. for the Saveh Block, which covers 13,500 sq km south of Tehran.
Saveh is PTTEP's second license in the Middle East. PTTEP discovered oil and natural gas on Omani Block 44 (OGJ Online, Apr. 26, 2005).
Thai Energy Minister Viset Choopiban expects that PTTEP's Iranian presence could help pave the way for entry into former Soviet Union countries, possibly Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
PTTEP executives also are interested in Jordan's upcoming licensing round, particularly the Harns Block. In addition, they are considering Jordan's oil shale properties.
Currently, PTTEP's activities focus on Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Last month, the company acquired a 40% interest in Cambodia's offshore Block B, a 6,551 sq km tract. It's a joint venture with Resourceful Petroleum Ltd. of Malaysia.
