A cross-border dialogue on energy investment aims to reduce electricity costs through direct state cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Pirapan Salirathavibhagarecently visited the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, to meet his counterpart, Minister of Energy and Mines Phosai Sayasone. The agenda focused on developing state-level investment mechanisms that bypass private intermediaries. The move is expected to lower costs for clean energy purchases between the two nations.
The discussion also included updates on ongoing energy agreements and plans for the Generating Authority of Thailand International Company Limited (EGAT) to focus investment solely in Laos. Since Thailand already imports electricity from Laos, direct investment through EGAT would allow Thailand to essentially buy power from its own state enterprise, resulting in reduced costs and enhanced energy security.
Pirapan will this week meet Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith. The goal is to secure bilateral benefits while streamlining the clean energy supply chain.
Meanwhile, Minister Pirapan clarified that his visit had no connection with recent reports about a summons from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). An internal review revealed procedural errors in the issuance of the notice. NACC officers reportedly admitted to the mistake, confirming that no formal summons has been issued at this time.
Source: NNT
