Abstract

The Thailand Cambodia Overlapping Claim Area extends over an area of 25,000 km2 in water depths of not more than 120m. It covers parts of the Pattani Basin and the Khmer Basin, both proven to be hydrocarbon bearing. This is the most prospective un-drilled area in SE Asia but the area has seen no exploration activity since 1974. Both countries have awarded conditional exploration and production licenses to lend weight to their claims. 7 companies currently still hold interests in the OCA, one holds an interest in the same block from both sides. Four have given up waiting. The need for domestic energy supplies has never been more important to both governments. Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam have each made offshore territory claims within the OCA, using the offshore territory claimant's toolkit consisting of, coastal Baselines joining promontories and small islands, territorial sea extending 12 nautical miles or more from baselines, lines of equidistance, historic waters, Economic Exclusion Zone and continental shelf. The OCA lies in <120m of water, is undrilled and is almost four times the size of the MTJDA. Oil potential located in the north and on the Narathiwat ridge. Oil is the first prize as it has near term value and can replace current imports for both countries. Gas/condensate potential in the Pattani basin is an extension of the western margin discoveries, and their equivalents on eastern margin. The companies that continue to hold equity are doing so for long term strategic reasons. Estimates of the prize are in the region of 8-15 Tcf gas and 400-1,000 MMbbl liquids. 20,000 sq km 3D seismic, 30 boat months, more than $250 million in exploration is needed in addition to drilling at least 175 wells, 7-8 rig years, and more than $600 million in development to establish these reserves. SE Asia needs its own energy supplies for security and prosperity. The two governments are now better prepared to find agreement; they have each rehearsed their arguments several times already.

Keywords: Phu Quoc • Ko Thmei • Ko Ses • Pulau Wai • Dao Tho Chu • Apsara-1 • Angkor-1 • Kaoh Tang-1 • Khmer Basin • Pattani Basin • Jasmine • Benchamas • Tantawan • Plamuk • Yala • Jakrawan • Ubon • Songkhla • Kra • Chumphon • North Malay Basin • Narathiwat High

Presented at: 2013 South East Asia Petroleum Exploration Society (SEAPEX) Conference, Singapore, 2013