Chevron has had operations in Thailand since 1948. We began exploring for oil and gas in the 1970s.
In 1962, Unocal – which Chevron acquired in 2005 – was the first oil firm awarded exploration rights in Thailand. Eleven years later, Unocal made the first discovery of hydrocarbons in the Gulf of Thailand, which led to a major natural gas development there later in the decade.
Caltex returned to Cambodia in 1995 and set up a network of retail service stations and a marine depot. It also launched Caltex lubricants. Chevron began exploration activities in Cambodia in 2002.
In 1996, the Star Petroleum Refining refinery at Map Ta Phut, in Thailand, began producing fuel. Chevron holds a majority interest in the facility.
In 1998, Caltex was one of the official sponsors of the Asian Games, held in Thailand in preparation for the Olympics.
The Tri Energy Company Ltd. power plant began operations in 2001. Chevron is involved through a joint venture.
In 2002, Chevron Overseas Petroleum (Cambodia) Limited was awarded a concession by the Royal Government of Cambodia for offshore exploration and production.
In 2008, Chevron was one of the official sponsors of the Thai Olympic team.
Health, Environment and Safety
From the design of facilities and equipment to ongoing staff training, Chevron cares about the health and safety of our employees, and we help protect Thailand's environment.
Many of our community activities involve environmental preservation, such as reforestation and mangrove and wetland conservation. Chevron also supports programs that encourage children to get involved in protecting the environment.
Since 2000, Chevron, in partnership with Thailand's Department of Land Transport, Ministry of Transport, has sponsored the Save and Safe program to help reduce pollution in major cities in Thailand. The program also helps raise public awareness about fuel conservation and safe driving. Save and Safe provides free vehicle inspections for cars, motorcycles and school buses in Thailand. The ministry conducts emissions testing, and Caltex works with local mechanics schools to train student mechanics to provide tune-ups, offered free to participating drivers. As an added benefit, the program gives the students real-life work experience that helps them land jobs when they graduate. Since 2000, Save and Safe has tuned more than 50,000 cars and motorcycles nationwide.
Economy
Chevron's discoveries in the Gulf of Thailand support Thailand's economic future and the foresight of its Department of Mineral Fuels, a valued partner in the development of petroleum resources. Chevron is committed to the long-term expansion of the country's energy resources.
Over the years, Chevron has continued to make a significant contribution to the nation's economy. Chevron's cumulative investment in upstream activities in Thailand from 1962 to 2008 has been more than $17 billion. About $5 billion in petroleum royalties was paid to the Royal Government of Thailand from 1981 to 2008.
Chevron's investment in the Tri Energy electrical plant reflects a far-reaching strategy to participate in Southeast Asia's growing electricity market as well as a belief in the close link between Thailand's power supply and its economy.
At our Caltex service stations, we are installing monitoring and control systems at Caltex pump islands, underground tanks, and back-office accounting and purchasing operations. Our latest improvements electronically coordinate service station deliveries and inventories. Overall, Caltex operations account for more than 1,800 jobs in Thailand.
Chevron also deploys the latest upstream technology in Thailand, where complex geology makes informed drilling decisions a critical factor in success. Chevron was the first company to introduce Thailand to advanced technology, such as a waterflood system for crude oil production.
Virtual meetings via Chevron's intranet give its exploration team access to company expertise around the world. A first-of-its-kind Web-based management system allows secure sharing of real-time drilling and production data among team members, partners, regulators and customers. The result is faster decisions, improved profitability and greater trust.
Updated: March 2009