No impact on Thailand from temporary disruption of gas supply from Myanmar

BANGKOK, March 14 (TNA) - A temporary halt of natural gas supply from Myanmar later this month due to a maintenance plan will not affect Thailand's energy security. Thai Energy Minister General Anantaporn Kanchanarat voiced the assurance on Monday in response to Myanmar's recent announcement on its maintenance of a natural gas supply source during March 19-28. General Anantaporn stressed that Thai agencies concerned have already prepared measures to cope with the situation during the 10-day period. The minister also said that the Thai government has no plan to curb diesel prices on the domestic market yet. According to the minister, the Ministry of Tranport takes care of the fares of public transport services, including ferry fares, while his ministry would take appropriate action when the fuel prices on the domestic market steadily increased until they affected the national energy situation and the State Oil Fund would then be high enough. The energy minister's remarks followed recent reports that operators of ferry boats in Bangkok and peripheral areas would raise their fares if the retail diesel prices increased. The minister, meanwhile, presided over a rehearsal on dealing with an energy emergency in the country with an appropriate solution. (TNA)