Abstract

The very first oil and gas exploration well in Lao P.D.R. is located near the Mekong River in the country's south. Pakse-1 well targeted the eastern Khorat basin margin Paleozoic formations also explored over the border in Thailand, although the closest well still lays about 150km away today.

Early regional explorers in Lao were intrigued by dry and wet gas seeps which were evidence of widespread active hydrocarbon systems in south Lao. Later geologic outcrop and gas sampling on the ground were combined with aero magnetic and gravity surveying overhead to build an understanding of the greater south Lao exploration model. New vibroseis & dynamite seismic acquisition was then integrated with soil sampling of each line, and a likely prospect for drilling was chosen on the combined interpretations of geochemistry, magnetics and gravity, 2D seismic and logistical considerations.

In the field, widespread Vietnam conflict era 'UXO', unexploded ordnance, proved a major operational challenge. The diverse technical scope and unique observations at Pakse show what future Lao explorers might expect.

Presented at: 2007 South East Asia Petroleum Exploration Society (SEAPEX) Conference, Singapore, 2007