Bangkok: The Cabinet approved extending cooperation between Thailand and Japan in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector for three years to enhance long-term energy security.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Cabinet approved the draft document extending cooperation on investment in the upstream liquefied natural gas (LNG) business between Thailand and Japan. This includes a cooperation initiative on LNG storage tanks between the Thai Ministry of Energy and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, as proposed by the Ministry of Energy.

The Cabinet also authorized the Minister of Energy, or an appointed representative, to sign the document. The signing is scheduled for the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM) on March 14-15, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan. This cooperation emphasizes investment in upstream liquefied natural gas (LNG) and LNG storage facilities to enhance energy security for both countries.

The document extends the existing Memorandum of Understanding for another three years, from November 16, 2025, to November 15, 2028. It includes automatic renewal every three years unless either party notifies in writing at least three months in advance of their decision not to renew. This arrangement enables Thailand and Japan to continue cooperation in LNG, which contributes to national energy security and strengthens economic ties between the two countries. It is confirmed that this action does not constitute approval of new projects or create any obligations for the next Cabinet under Article 169 of the Constitution.