Photo 1. Group Photo of the High-Level Consultative Meeting between ACE, MOEN, EGAT and ERC Thailand.
Bangkok, 24 September 2025 – ASEAN Centre (ACE) successfully held a High-Level Consultative Meeting with the Ministry of Energy (MOEN) of Thailand, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of Thailand at the MOEN Head Office in Bangkok, Thailand. Dr. Sompop Pattanariyankool, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Energy at the Ministry of Energy Thailand, led the discussion between ACE and Thailand, with the participation of high-level attendees from MOEN, EGAT and ERC Thailand, comprising of the Assistant Secretary General, Directors, and Chiefs.
The purpose of the meeting was to explore Thailand’s role in advancing regional power interconnection under the ASEAN, to identify the potential cross-border interconnection for an ASEAN Power Grid (APG) Feasibility Study (FS), with a particular emphasis on the joint FS involving Electricite du Laos (EDL) for Thailand - Lao PDR interconnection line and with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for the Thailand – Malaysia interconnection line. The consultation also seeks guidance on the development of a cooperation framework aligned with national priorities.
Dato’ Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood, the Executive Director of ACE, opened the discussion by sharing the secured support from development partners to advance the progress of APG, including the funding mobilised related APG FS development from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), amounting to more than USD 10 million. He shared the milestones achieved to date under the World Bank grant and presented the indicative timeline of upcoming activities, underscoring that the available resources not only enable feasibility studies but also provide a basis for establishing structured cooperation mechanisms where needed.
Photo 2. Dr. Sompop Pattanariyankool, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Energy Thailand and Dato’ Ir. Razib Dawood, Executive Director of ACE.
In discussing Thailand’s long-standing collaboration with Lao PDR in power interconnection, facilitated through an existing bilateral working group, participants noted that any new arrangements should complement current frameworks. ACE observed that the development of a joint study framework could create additional space for coordination at the regional level, particularly where technical inputs, institutional linkages, and facilitation support may be required. ACE reiterated its capacity to assist in shaping financing discussions for future cross-border initiatives.
ACE further emphasised that external financing arrangements differ in structure and requirements, and that dialogues with partners such as the World Bank can be tailored to the needs of participating countries. It was also noted that feasibility studies serve not only as technical outputs but can form part of a broader justification framework that demonstrates collective regional benefits. Capacity building and technical assistance were highlighted as parallel components that can be integrated into grant-supported activities, especially where emerging technologies or specialised modelling are involved.
Photo 3. Mr. Kornkiat Charoenpatcharakij (far right), Director Power System Planning Division and Ms. Titiporn Sangpetch Chief (middle), Power System Connection and Cooperation Planning Department of EGAT.
Upon the discussion, Thailand mandated ACE to identify and propose specific mechanisms for operationalising the joint study with Lao PDR and Malaysia. In turn, ACE reaffirmed its commitment to facilitate the interconnection process, including technical coordination, institutional engagement, and dialogue with relevant financiers. As a way forward, both sides agreed that further engagement would continue at the technical level, with ACE facilitating coordination for the discussions scheduled in the coming days.
