CEO Piti Yimprasert told The Nation that many companies operating in Map Ta Phut, an industrialised zone in Rayong, have started to look for alternative areas for new development as Map Ta Phut is facing expansion limits as well as pollution problems.

"They need more investment to expand their projects in Map Ta Phut. Meanwhile, some facilities such as coal-fired power plants have extreme difficulty receiving environmental approvals in that area," he said.

IRPC's compound covers 6,800 rai, of which about 2,000 are occupied by its refinery and power plant. The vacant portion could be turned into an industrial park.

"Our site has complete infrastructure, such as ports, a power plant and roads," he said.

"We plan to build an industrial estate before the pollution problem in Map Ta Phut becomes a hot topic."

Piti said he had not talked to any executives in PTT or any other companies about petrochemical projects.

"However, if the group prefers to set up its projects here, I think we are ready to support its plan," he said.

PTT is IRPC's major shareholder with a 31.5-per-cent stake. The group plans to invest Bt74 billion to expand its petrochemical business.

According to the Energy Ministry, seven or eight petrochemical and power companies are waiting for final approval to put up their plants in Map Ta Phut. However, in doing so, they have to meet environmental assessments.

IRPC plans to build a US$200 million (Bt7.16 billion) electricity plant on its premises and expand its port's bulk cargo-handing capacity from 1.5 million barrels to two million per day in order to accommodate larger vessels and reduce its logistics costs.

IRPC is waiting for environmental approval for its new power plant, which will use coal as fuel.

"We don't think the environmental problems in Map Ta Phut will delay our plan, because we're employing the best technology, which emits the least-toxic substances," Piti added.

Chalida     Ekvitthayavechnukul

The Nation