Lao PDR Minister of Industry and Commerce Visits TPN Oil Pipeline System and Oil Terminal in Khon Kaen, Strengthening Thailand - Lao Energy Cooperation

Mr. Malaithong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), accompanied by Mrs. Krongkanit Rakcharoen, Ambassador of Thailand to Vientiane, visited the oil pipeline transportation system and oil terminal operated by Thai Pipeline Network Company Limited (TPN) in Khon Kaen Province. The visit aimed to study TPN's oil pipeline transportation system and oil terminal operations, one of Thailand’s key energy infrastructure assets, and to exchange knowledge on energy infrastructure management in order to enhance cooperation and advance the development of energy logistics between Thailand and the Lao PDR.

The delegation was welcomed by Mr. Natanon Chatkaew, Managing Director of Thai Pipeline Network Company Limited (TPN), together with executives of Electricity Generating Public Company Limited or EGCO Group, led by Mr. Somkiat Suttiwanich Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Prasit Laohawirapap, Senior Executive Vice President - Business Development (Domestic). Also joining the welcome were executives from the PTT Group, including Mr. Pirun Krimwongrut, Executive Vice President, Downstream Petroleum Business Group Strategy, PTT Public Company Limited; Mr. Songpol Thepnumsomanas, Executive Vice President, International Business, and Mr. Piman Poolsri, Executive Vice President, Oil Retail Business, PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR); and Mr. Peravej Na Ranong, Managing Director of PTT (Lao) Company Limited (PTT LAO).

Thai Pipeline Network Company Limited (TPN) operates a 342-kilometer oil pipeline from Saraburi to Khon Kaen, with an annual transportation capacity of more than 7.3 billion liters and a total oil storage capacity of 157 million liters. Operated in accordance with international safety standards, the system serves as a key energy infrastructure asset that enhances transportation efficiency, reduces logistics costs, and strengthens the country’s energy security.

EGCO Group holds a 44.59% equity stake in TPN. The oil pipeline transportation system to the Northeastern region complements the company’s energy-related businesses under its fuel and utilities business portfolio. The system is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) per year, with the resulting carbon credits to be allocated to users of TPN’s oil pipeline transportation system and oil terminal. The investment also aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Meanwhile, PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) has invested in TPN through Modulus Venture Company Limited, holding a 55.41% equity stake with a total investment value of not more than 2.2 billion baht. The investment aims to enhance energy logistics management, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and road transportation accidents, support the growth of OR’s mobility business in the Northeastern region, and facilitate the export of petroleum products to the Lao PDR.

The visit marks another important milestone in reaffirming the strength of Thailand's energy infrastructure while fostering closer cooperation to support sustainable growth.