Thai natural gas project suspended after pipeline explosions in Myanmar

A pipeline carrying gas from Myanmar to Thailand has exploded twice in three days, according to locals.

The Zaw Ti Ka pipeline, owned by Thai energy giant PTTEP, runs through the Kan Pauk area of Yay Phyu township in Thaninntharyi region.

The pipeline exploded on the night of July 30 and again at around 3 a.m. on Aug. 1, according to one Kan Pauk resident.

“The gas pipeline exploded twice,” the resident said. “But it was not clear whether it was a gas explosion or a bomb blast.”

Some residents claimed it was an attack by the local People’s Defense Force, but we are unable to verify their claims and there has been no comment from the PDF.

 “The pipeline of the Zaw Ti Ka natural gas project in Myanmar had a leak on August 1, therefore gas transmission to Thailand has been temporarily suspended,” read a statement by Thai government subsidiary PTT Exploration and Production Public Co., Ltd., (PTTEP).

“The initial investigation has not found either an explosion or burning but other investigations will follow,” said the statement from PTTEP’s Yangon office, adding that repairs are likely to take about two weeks.

The Zaw Ti Ka oil and gas project is based in the Gulf of Muttama and the pipeline runs through Mon state and Thanintharyi region.

Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise and PTTEP signed an agreement on August 8, 2014, to invest at least $72 million in three Myanmar natural gas projects: Yadanar, Ye Ta Gon and Zaw Ti Ka.