While Thailand is an oil and natural gas producer, the country relies on imports to sustain its rising fuel demand. Domestic oil reserves and supply are limited in Thailand, and the country imports a significant share of its oil consumption. However, Thailand holds large proved reserves of natural gas, and natural gas production has increased substantially in the last few years. High demand growth over the past two decades led Thailand to become a net importer of natural gas.
Petroleum and other liquids account for the greatest share of the country's annual primary energy consumption (more than 38% in 2012), followed closely by natural gas (33%). Biomass and solid waste represents almost 16%. Of total consumption, coal accounts for roughly 13% and other renewables, including hydroelectricity, represents nearly 2%.
As of January 2014, Thailand held 449 million barrels of proven crude oil reserves, a decrease of 4 million barrels from the prior year, according to the Oil and Gas Journal (OGJ). Roughly 80% of Thailand's crude oil comes from offshore fields found in the Gulf of Thailand. A majority of this output is produced by Chevron, making it the largest crude oil producer in Thailand.
Chevron operates Benjamas, the country's largest producing crude oil field, Benjamas North, Pakakrong fields, the Lanta field, and the Tantawan field, among others. State-run PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), a subsidiary of PTT Public Company Limited, operates the Sirikit field and is also a significant producer. Independent companies, Salamander Energy and Coastal Energy operate the onshore and shallow water fields Bualuang, Songkhla, and Bua Ban.