Chevron has had operations in Thailand since 1948. We began exploring for oil and gas in the 1970s.
In 1962, Chevron was the first oil firm awarded exploration rights in Thailand. Eleven years later, Chevron made the first discovery of hydrocarbons in the Gulf of Thailand, which led to a major natural gas development there later in the decade.
In 1996, the Star Petroleum Refining facility at Map Ta Phut began producing fuel. Chevron holds a majority interest in the refinery.
The Tri Energy Company Ltd. power plant began operations in 2001. Chevron is involved through a joint venture.
In 2011, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of production from the Erawan Field, the first commercial natural gas field in Thailand. Chevron's discovery and development of Erawan fueled the country's economic growth and contributed to the creation of Thailand's petrochemical industry and the training of thousands of technical professionals.
In 2012, Chevron celebrated the 50th anniversary of its upstream business in Thailand.
Health, Environment and Safety
From the design of facilities and equipment to ongoing training, Chevron protects people and the environment. Many of our community activities involve health and safety campaigns as well as environmental preservation, such as reforestation and mangrove and wetland conservation.
In 2009, we worked with the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) to increase HIV/AIDS awareness among Chevron employees. We introduced the PATH Parents Network to help parents improve their understanding of HIV/AIDS and enhance communication about the disease with their children.
From 2005 to 2009, Chevron partnered with the Department of Mineral Fuels and the Petroleum Companies Foundation to support a reforestation project that commemorates Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej's ascension to the throne. Chevron contributed approximately $1.96 million to plant and maintain 3 million saplings, enough to cover 6,010 acres in Phetchabun Province. We also worked with the Mangrove Forest Rehabilitation Project to celebrate the king's 84th birthday in 2011.
Chevron has taken part in marine conservation projects in the Gulf of Thailand. Activities have included transplanting coral, releasing marine animals, cleaning beaches and raising public awareness about environmental conservation.
Economy
Chevron's discoveries in the Gulf of Thailand support Thailand's economic future. Working with the Department of Mineral Fuels, Chevron is committed to the long-term expansion of Thailand's energy resources.
Chevron's cumulative investment in upstream activities in Thailand from 1962 to 2012 has surpassed $26 billion. Chevron generated more than $8 billion in petroleum royalties for the Royal Government of Thailand from 1981 to 2012.
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.
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 a waterflood system for crude oil production and other advanced technologies.
Virtual meetings via Chevron's intranet give our exploration team in Thailand 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 system results in faster decisions, improved profitability and greater trust.
Updated: April 2013
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