Resource-seeking FDI by Thai firms is still limited and
dominated by large industrial conglomerates (e.g. Siam Cement,
Saha Union) and government linked companies (e.g. PTT). Thai
outward FDI in the primary sector is much smaller compared
with the manufacturing and services sectors (table 3). Banpu
and other Thai companies have invested in mining in Lao PDR.
Saha Union has invested in China, and a few other countries in
Asia, for the sourcing of supplies (including electricity
generation). Siam Cement has invested in Iran and ASEAN
countries to secure low-cost raw materials. PTT, a leading oil
and gas company, invested abroad to secure access to natural
resources and markets as well as to strengthen its distribution
channels.