Energy minister reports over US$17bn in Gastech deals on Sept 15 and hands 2027 hosting role to US
Thailand handed Gastech hosting duties to Houston for 2027, while Energy Minister Akanat Promphan stressed natural gas’s role in energy security
- Energy Minister Akanat Promphan announced that the Gastech 2026 event in Bangkok resulted in more than US$17 billion in energy business agreements.
- The minister stated that the successful agreements reinforce Asia's potential as a hub for the global energy business.
- The announcement was made on September 15 as Thailand concluded its hosting duties, handing over the 2027 event to Houston, USA.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan said on September 15, 2026 that Gastech 2026 in Bangkok had generated more than US$17 billion in energy business agreements. Thailand also handed over hosting duties for the 2027 event to Houston in the United States.
Akanat presided over the host handover ceremony, passing the Gastech flag from Bangkok to Houston, Texas. US Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danly attended and accepted the handover.
Akanat links Gastech agreements to Asia’s energy role
Akanat credited cooperation among all those involved in Gastech 2026 in Bangkok with helping the event secure the agreements. The outcome reinforced Asia’s potential as a centre for global energy business, he said.
Beyond encouraging business cooperation, the event directly benefited regulators and national policymakers, particularly in discussions about the energy transition, Akanat said.
Although renewable energy remained an important goal for the future, Akanat said its development required time and investment. Natural gas remained key to stability and energy security in the present, while strong infrastructure provided an advantage and could strengthen national security.
Houston to continue Gastech cooperation in 2027
Danly said cooperation would continue at Gastech 2027 in Houston, which he described as the heart and centre of the American energy industry.
Discussions at Gastech had focused on meeting an unprecedented increase in global energy demand and addressing energy security challenges, Danly said. The approach to energy leadership centred on providing affordable, reliable and secure energy from diverse fuel sources, so consumers would not face excessive costs.
Danly said the United States was committed to being a global partner, using its energy resources to strengthen fuel security and promote economic prosperity in other countries.
“As host of Gastech 2026, I hope you have been impressed by the event and Thai hospitality, and I hope this will not be your last visit. I hope you will return to Bangkok one day,” Akanat said.
Akanat added of Gastech 2026: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved for organising such a wonderful and outstanding event this year, which has shown the world Thailand’s capabilities in many areas. For next year in Houston, I am very pleased to hand the event over to you, James, and the United States, and I hope it will be as successful as it has been in Thailand.”
