These early-stage discussions involve multiple developers, most notably Australia’s Woodside Energy. The company is currently seeking firm commitments for its Louisiana LNG plant, a project that has gained significant traction among Asian buyers following recent supply disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz. For PTT, the move represents a strategic effort to diversify its portfolio beyond traditional regional suppliers.

The push for U.S. energy is backed by a broader trade framework established last October, where Thailand committed to annual imports of U.S. crude, ethane, and LNG valued at $5.4 billion. Beyond the Louisiana facility, the Thai firm maintains a cooperation agreement regarding the proposed $44-billion Alaska LNG project. While that development awaits a final investment decision, the current memorandum includes a potential 20-year off-take agreement for 2 million tonnes of LNG annually, signaling a long-term commitment to American exports as a hedge against regional geopolitical instability.