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Thai PTT confident gas pipeline com



Thai PTT confident gas pipeline complete by July 1

BANGKOK, March 6 (Reuters) - State-run Petroleum Authority of Thailand said it
was confident that the controversial pipeline which will transport natural gas
from Myanmar (Burma) to Thailand will be completed on scheduled despite
hurdles. 

Piti Yimprasert, president of PTT Gas, told reporters that it will cost PTT
$40 million more to speed up the construction in order to be able to receive
the natural gas from Myanmar by July 1. 

Piti said PTT officials will travel to Myanmar soon to sign a contract to
purchase natural gas from Myanmar. 

``Myanmar government sent us a letter expressing concerns on the project. We
will assure them that everthing should go on schedule,'' he said. 

The pipeline had been delayed by protests from environmentalists who claimed
it would disrupt flora and fauna as part of the pipeline running through
Thailand was due to go through a forest and wildlife sanctuary. 

Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai on Saturday ordered PTT to resume construction of
the pipeline. 

The PTT is responsible for the contract and pipeline laying must be completed
by July 1 or it would have to pay hefty penalties for delays. 

The operator of the Yadana field is Total SA, which has a 31.24 percent stake,
Unocal Corp with a 28.26 percent share, PTT Exploration and Production Plc --
a unit of PTT -- with 25.5 percent and state-owned Myanma Oil and Gas
Enterprise with 15 percent. email:bangkok.newsroom+reuters.com)) ^REUTERS@