PTTEP, PC JDA granted PSC for lower Gulf of Thailand block
The Malaysia-Thailand Joint Authority has awarded PTT Exploration and Production Public Co. Ltd. (PTTEP) and PC JDA a production sharing contract (PSC) for Block A-18-01 of the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area (MTJDA).
The PSC was granted directly to PTTEP subsidiaries PTTEP JDX Thailand (JDA) Ltd. and PTTEP JDX Thailand Co. Ltd. and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd. subsidiary PC JDA Ltd. Each party holds a 50% participating interest in petroleum exploration, development, and production in Block A-18-01 for a 35-year term, retroactively effective from Jan. 1, 2026.
The new PSC replaces the previous PSC and covers the existing area of Block A-18 as well as additional areas. The block has the potential to produce about 300–400 MMcfd of natural gas, with production volumes to be supplied equally to Thailand and Malaysia.
Gas supplied to Thailand from the block—which is anticipated to account for about 4% of the country’s natural gas demand—will be used as fuel for power generation in southern Thailand, according to PTTEP.
The joint venture partners plan to enhance exploration and development activities in Block A-18-01 to maintain production levels and ensure the continued supply of natural gas.
MTJDA is in the lower Gulf of Thailand and comprises Block A-18-01 and B-17-01, covering a combined area of about 7,250 sq km. The area is a major source of natural gas and condensate for both Thailand and Malaysia. Block A-18-01 includes Cakerawala, Bumi, Suriya, Bulan, Bulan South, Senja, Bumi East, Samudra, and Wira gas fields, while Block B-17-01 includes Muda, Tapi, Tanjung, Amarit, Jengka, Melati, and Andalas gas fields.
“Development of Block A-18-01 will enable further synergies with Block B-17-01, in which PTTEP and PC JDA hold participating interests. Leveraging shared infrastructure and resources will enhance operational efficiency and optimize natural gas production," said Montri Rawanchaikul, PTTEP's chief executive officer.
"Together, the two blocks currently produce about 700 MMcfd," Rawanchaikul confirmed.