The Deputy Government Spokesperson revealed that the Cabinet meeting approved a 3-year extension of the Thailand-Japan cooperation on liquefied natural gas to strengthen the country's long-term energy security.
On 10 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatthana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the Cabinet approved the draft consent document to extend the memorandum of cooperation on upstream liquefied natural gas business investment between Thailand and Japan, as well as the LNG storage tank cooperation initiative between the Ministry of Energy of Thailand and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, as proposed by the Ministry of Energy.
At the same time, the Cabinet authorized the Minister of Energy or a designated representative to sign the document during the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM) held from 14–15 Mar 2026 GMT+7 in Tokyo, Japan.
Ms. Lalida said the original memorandum was signed on 16 Nov 2022 GMT+7 by Thailand and Japan, aiming to set a framework for investment cooperation in upstream LNG business and LNG storage tanks to enhance energy security for both countries, before it expires on 16 Nov 2025 GMT+7.
This approval extends the memorandum for another three years, from 16 Nov 2025 GMT+7 to 15 Nov 2028 GMT+7, with automatic renewal every three years unless either party notifies in writing at least three months in advance of their intention not to renew.
Ms. Lalida added that this extension will enable continuous LNG cooperation between Thailand and Japan, benefiting the enhancement of national energy security and strengthening the economic relationship between the two countries. It also provides Thailand with an important opportunity to seek and expand cooperation with other nations to develop a secure and sustainable energy sector in the long term.
Ms. Lalida further noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Council of State have reviewed and agreed that the draft document does not constitute an international treaty or a contractual agreement under Section 178 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy confirms that this action does not involve approval of new projects or obligations for the next Cabinet under Section 169 of the Constitution.
"The government prioritizes energy security alongside expanding cooperation with key partners and allies to respond to global energy market volatility and strengthen Thailand's long-term preparedness," she said.