Myanmar and Thailand have agreed to step up security along joint natural gas pipelines and explore new drilling options to counter falling output at a major offshore field, officials said.

The announcement came after a bilateral discussion between Union Minister for Electricity and Energy U Ko Ko Lwin, with the chief executive of Thailand’s PTTEP International Limited, on May 8 at the ministry's guest hall in Nay Pyi Taw. 

At the center of the talks was the security of the vital pipeline infrastructure that connects Myanmar's gas fields to Thailand. 

Energy transport routes in the region have faced ongoing stability risks, prompting both nations to prioritize joint security measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply.

The high-level discussions also focused on arresting the declining output at the Yadana project, a critical natural gas field in the Andaman Sea. 

Officials discussed technical options to drill new and additional wells at the site, which feeds both Myanmar’s domestic grid and Thailand’s power sector.

Additionally, the delegations reviewed the development of the M3 block, also known as the Aung Thinkha project. Development of this block is seen as crucial for supporting Myanmar’s domestic electricity generation, which has faced severe shortages.

Beyond immediate pipeline security and drilling, the two sides discussed long-term investment prospects in secure deepwater offshore projects.

The meeting follows preliminary diplomatic talks held in April 2026, when Thailand’s deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs raised the same energy and pipeline security issues during a courtesy call with the Myanmar president.

The meeting was attended by the ministry’s permanent secretary, directors general, managing directors of relevant departments, and executives from PTTEP, Thailand's state-owned oil and gas exploration company.