Latest news with #GulfOfThailand

News.com.au
5 days ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
Thai-Cambodia clashes spread along frontier as death toll rises
Thailand and Cambodia pounded each other with heavy artillery fire for a third day on Saturday, as a border conflict that killed at least 33 people and displaced more than 150,000 from their homes spread across the frontier. Clashes broke out for the first time in the countries' coastal regions where they meet on the Gulf of Thailand, around 250 kilometres (160 miles) southwest of the main frontlines thumping with blasts on Saturday afternoon. "It feels like I'm escaping a war zone," 76-year-old Samlee Sornchai told AFP at a temple shelter for evacuees in the Thai town of Kanthararom, after abandoning his farm near the embattled frontier. Both sides say they are open to a truce in the combat being fought with jets, tanks and ground troops, but have accused the other of undermining armistice efforts. Tensions initially flared over long-contested ancient temple sites before fighting spread along the countries' rural border region, marked by a ridge of hills surrounded by wild jungle and agricultural land where locals farm rubber and rice. Cambodia's defence ministry said 13 people have been confirmed killed in the fighting since Thursday, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 people wounded. Thai authorities say 13 civilians and seven soldiers have been killed on their side, taking the toll across both nations higher than it was in the last major round of fighting between 2008 and 2011. Both sides reported a coastline clash around 5:00 am Saturday (2200 GMT Friday), with Cambodia accusing Thai forces of firing "five heavy artillery shells" into Pursat province, bordering Thailand's Trat province. The conflict has also forced more than 138,000 people to be evacuated from Thailand's border regions, and more than 35,000 driven from their homes in Cambodia. After an urgent UN Security Council meeting in New York on Friday, Cambodia's UN ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted a ceasefire. "Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire -- unconditionally -- and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute," he told reporters. - Border row - Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Saturday that for any ceasefire or talks to proceed, Cambodia needed to show "genuine sincerity in ending the conflict". "I urge Cambodia to stop violating Thai sovereignty and to return to resolving the issue through bilateral dialogue," Maris told reporters. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said Friday, before the UN meeting was held, that Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia. Malaysia currently holds the chair of the ASEAN regional bloc, of which Thailand and Cambodia are both members. Both sides have blamed the other for firing first. Additionally, Cambodia has accused Thai forces of using cluster munitions, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station struck by at least one rocket. Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra -- still an influential figure in the kingdom -- visited shelters on Saturday to meet evacuees. "The military needs to complete its operations before any dialogue can take place," Thaksin told reporters. The fighting marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbours -- both popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists -- over their shared 800-kilometre (500-mile) border where dozens of kilometres are contested. A UN court ruling in 2013 settled the matter for more than a decade, but the current crisis erupted in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a clash on the border. Relations between the two countries soured dramatically when Hun Sen last month released a recording of a call with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra focused on the border row. The leak triggered a political crisis in Thailand as Paetongtarn -- Thaksin's daughter -- was accused of not standing up for Thailand enough, and of criticising her own army. She was suspended from office by a court order.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-lead-image-KOHCHANGTHAI0625-b22bc931559d4d1bb9322c000bd56103.jpg&w=3840&q=100)

Travel + Leisure
19-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Underrated Thai Island Has Gin-clear Waters and Some of the Best Beaches in the Country—and More Than 70% Is Covered in Jungle
Sunbathe on powdery beaches like the popular White Sand Beach. Explore Bang Bao fishing village, which is built on wooden stilts. Cool off in the Khlong Phlu waterfall. Snorkel in gin-clear waters among vibrant coral reefs. Enjoy street food at night markets. It's been 15 minutes since the ferry left Trat, a town and province in the Gulf of Thailand close to the border with Cambodia, and the island of Koh Chang is coming into view. It's massive, seeming to stretch across the horizon, and painted with countless undulating mountains and hills that resemble the backs of slumbering giants. Smaller islands pepper the glittering turquoise waters around it like stars. As we get closer, I begin to notice how green the island is—more than 70 percent of it is covered in thick, protected rain forest, inhabited only by critters such as white-bellied sea eagles and crab-eating macaques. Koh Chang, meaning 'Elephant Island' in Thai because of its resemblance to the mammal from above, is Thailand's third-largest island after Phuket and Koh Samui. It's the anchor island in the Mu Ko Chang National Park, a marine protected area that includes 51 other islands known for their pristine beaches, rushing waterfalls, jungle treks, and more than six square miles of coral reefs. The island has no airport and is only reachable by a roughly 30-minute ferry from the mainland. It's a trek that overall results in fewer tourists, a welcome respite from the crowds that are spreading across Thailand, especially following the premiere of the third season of The White Lotus. 'Koh Chang offers a unique blend of relatively built-out tourist offerings without the crowds and impact of overtourism seen on other major islands like Phuket and Koh Samui,' says Grant Ekelund, a Travel + Leisure A-list advisor and travel consultant at InsideAsia Tours. 'This means that prices are much more reasonable than Phuket, even for luxury properties.' Home to incredible stretches of white-sand beaches, jaw-dropping viewpoints, and great seafood, here's why Koh Chang may just be one of Thailand's most underrated islands. Pool scenes from KC Grand Resort Koh Chang. Asia London Palomba/Travel + Leisure This sprawling five-star resort, which I stayed at, stretches across the island's popular White Sand Beach and back into the jungle-clad hills. The grounds are ensconced in swaying palm trees and lotus ponds that offer panoramic vistas of the ocean from nearly every angle. Rooms are contemporary with Thai-inspired color palettes and balconies displaying hill and sea views. Upgraded rooms and suites have Jacuzzis and direct pool access, and mini beachfront villas are also available. The resort is located on the island's main road, within walking distance of several bars, restaurants, shops, and convenience stores. Also on the grounds are two restaurants, a coffee shop, and four outdoor pools, including one infinity rooftop pool with a bar. The Dewa Koh Chang is a beachfront resort that seamlessly blends rustic architecture with the natural surroundings. The property features multiple silo-like concrete buildings with sweeping ceilings accented by natural materials such as thatched roofs and wooden furniture. Rooms are spacious and feature modern Thai decor, floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, deep soaking tubs, and rainfall showers. Black-tiled pools are ensconced in lush tropical gardens and a full-service spa caters to those seeking next-level relaxation. The resort feeds into Klong Prao Beach. Tucked within landscaped tropical gardens, this 157-room resort offers direct access to a private stretch of Klong Prao Beach. The rooms are rustic yet elevated with wooden furniture and large breezy windows, and they feature balconies and terraces with garden and beach views. The resort has a bar and a restaurant located directly on the sand—arguably the best point to watch the sun sink beneath the waves. Good to know: Pets are welcome for a small fee. This serene resort is nestled between tropical hills and Klong Prao Beach. Villas and suites are decorated with ornate teak and rattan furnishings, and come with private pools and views overlooking tropical gardens, canals, and mountains. Guests can enjoy both a beachfront pool lined with palm trees and an infinity pool offering elevated vistas of the grounds. Designed to imitate a quaint village, GajaPuri Resort is a tranquil retreat set among lush gardens, backed on one end by a natural rain forest reserve and on the other by the serene shores of Kai Bae Beach. The property features two saltwater pools and individual wooden bungalows connected by winding wooden walkways. Upgraded rooms have private villas and Jacuzzis, and there's even a tent-like accommodation with an outdoor shower, a sink, and a mini waterfall. White sand beaches in Koh Chang, Thailand. Asia London Palomba/Travel + Leisure Koh Chang is home to five main beaches, all of which are located on its west coast. These are White Sand Beach, Klong Prao Beach, Kai Bae Beach, Lonely Beach, and Klong Kloi Beach. 'As a Thai island, the beaches of Koh Chang are exactly what you would expect—a truly idyllic landscape of soft white sand with warm waters rolling onto the shore all day,' says Ekelund. White Sand Beach is the most developed and lively of the five. Stretching just under two miles, it boasts powder-white sand, gin-clear waters, and plenty of beachfront bars and restaurants. At dusk, the area is lit by colorful fairy lights strung between massive mangroves. Here, many restaurants offer barbecue meals where you can choose your own meats and freshly caught seafood from a display. Klong Prao Beach, a quieter alternative to White Sand Beach, is widely regarded as the island's most beautiful with its two-plus miles of pristine sand. Lonely Beach has been coined the ultimate 'backpacker scene' for its laid-back vibe, while Klong Kloi is known for being secluded and quiet. If you're looking for a more laid-back meal, the Koh Chang Night Market, located right off of White Sand Beach, is a great place to sample street food among locals and tourists. Illuminated by fairy lights, the market is small but lively and features several stalls where vendors offer everything from desserts, fresh fruit, and cocktails to spring rolls, seafood, and meats that are grilled right before your eyes. Local delicacies like horseshoe crab, which is served as a salad or grilled, and barbecued crocodile skewers are some of the more unique options. You can either take your food to go or eat at provided benches and tables. Bang Bao is a fishing village built on wooden stilts that stretches between dramatic hills and along a 1,100-foot-long pier on the southern tip of the island. While tourism has now replaced fishing as the community's primary source of income, the area is a great way to see the island away from the resorts. 'Being remotely located, Koh Chang has developed its own unique culture as an island over hundreds of years,' explains Ekelund. Here, you'll find plenty of souvenir shops, quaint guesthouses, and seafood restaurants offering panoramic views of the bay. There are several coral reefs that can be visited right off the beaches in Koh Chang or by taking a short snorkeling day trip. Clownfish, parrotfish, and angelfish are just some of the tropical species you'll see flitting between vibrant corals. Adventurous divers will enjoy exploring the HTMS Chang wreck, Thailand's most famous and largest shipwreck dive site. A former U.S. World War II and Korean War tank that was later sold to the Thai Navy, it was intentionally sunk in 2012 to create an artificial coral reef. Stretching 328 feet, it's now home to a wide variety of marine life, including giant groupers, barracudas, and graceful whale sharks. As Koh Chang is mostly composed of rain forest, it's no surprise the island is home to several waterfalls. The most popular is Klong Plu, located down a short winding trail a short distance away from Klong Prao Beach. Completely sheltered in dense vegetation, the waterfall has a gushing 130-foot drop and a large basin that's perfect for swimming. A word to the wise: The trail, while well maintained, can be quite uneven and steep in some places, so it should only be attempted with proper footwear and a decent level of fitness, especially if you plan to see the waterfall from a higher vantage point. Sunset at Sabay Bar in Koh Chang. Asia London Palomba/Travel + Leisure Enjoying a prime location on White Sand Beach, this bar and restaurant puts out cozy chairs and tables directly on the sand at sunset, and colorful handmade light fixtures hang from the mangrove trees to provide a calming glow as dusk falls. The restaurant serves great cocktails, soft drinks, and local Thai beers, which are best enjoyed as an aperitif in the evening, and at night you can choose typical Thai dishes from the menu or select your own seafood, meats, and vegetables from a display to be barbecued before your eyes. Fire dancing performances take place on the beach every night. This long-standing family-run establishment is a favorite among locals, known for its affordable prices, large portions, and great quality. Here, you'll find a wide variety of fresh seafood and typical Thai dishes, including grilled tiger prawns, garlic fried calamari, and tom yum soup. Set in a small but airy space with high ceilings, this cozy restaurant is located along Klong Prao Beach, a sister location to its original that opened on White Sand Beach more than 20 years ago. It's known for serving plates heaped with seafood, including clams, squid, tiger prawns, and more. Traditional Thai dishes like pineapple stir-fried rice or pad Thai are also on the menu. Aerial view of boats docked at a best time to visit between November and early April, during the island's dry season, for clear skies, calm seas, and temperatures averaging between 82 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. While the months between December and February are considered peak season, this also coincides with a livelier atmosphere and more open bars and restaurants. November and April are the island's shoulder season and great for fewer crowds and slightly cheaper prices. Ekelund recommends avoiding May through October—the rainy season—as heavy showers and rough seas can disrupt outdoor activities. However, if you're willing to get wet, this is when budget-conscious travelers will be able to find the best deals on accommodations. The only way to reach Koh Chang is via a ferry from the town of Trat. The closest airport, the regional Trat Airport (TDX), is about 20 minutes north of Ao Thammachat Pier, the main ferry point for the island. You can fly into TDX directly from Bangkok, and the airport itself is a roughly four-hour drive from the metropolis. Most accommodations on the island offer private transfers from Trat Airport to the ferry pier. It's also possible to cross the border from Cambodia to Trat and then travel to Koh Chang via ferry, which is what I did. Roads leading to Koh Chang, Thailand. Asia London Palomba/Travel + Leisure Koh Chang is almost entirely encircled by one main road, and the island doesn't have any private tuk-tuks or taxis. Rather, there are songthaews, which are basically modified pickup trucks whose beds have been outfitted with benches and feature a canopy-like structure for protection and to store luggage. These operate like buses with fixed schedules and destinations, and can be flagged down on the side of the road. The easiest and cheapest way to get around, however, is by renting a motorcycle. This offers the most flexibility and costs between 200 and 300 Thai baht (THB), roughly between $6 and $9 a day, although shops typically offer discounts for longer rentals. Gas is sold in old glass liquor bottles at small kiosks around the island for as little as 40 THB, or about $1.22.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Yahoo
Starting over in paradise: 8 people on what it's like to run a business, find a home, and build a life in Koh Samui
On this sun-drenched tropical island, time moves more slowly — and that's exactly what many people were looking for when they chose to make it home. I had just wrapped up an interview with a millennial who left his life in the US behind to become a Muay Thai fighter. Next, I was heading off to speak with the French owner of a boutique hotel. Three days into my reporting trip, I was starting to see why so many people are drawn to Koh Samui, the Thai island that's recently been thrust into the global spotlight thanks to HBO's hit series "The White Lotus." Long before the show put it on the radar of TV audiences, Samui had already been quietly attracting people in search of something different: an unhurried pace of life, a lower cost of living, and the promise of a fresh start far from home. Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is known for its gorgeous beaches and waterfalls. It spans about 88 square miles and is home to around 70,300 residents — including about 3,800 foreigners — per the latest May data. For comparison, Phuket, Thailand's largest island at roughly 210 square miles, is home to about 430,000 people, including almost 9,700 foreigners. Nearly everything of interest on Samui is connected by a single main road — Route 4169, also known as the Samui Ring Road — which loops around the island. The island's airport was built on the site of a former coconut plantation. Unlike Phuket's airport, which has flights across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Samui International Airport mainly serves nearby domestic cities and a few countries in Asia. Six international schools also make it possible for families with children to settle in for the long term. It helps that the Thai government is invested in developing policies designed to welcome long-term visitors. In 2024, the country launched the Destination Thailand Visa in a bid to attract digital nomads, remote workers, and individuals interested in participating in cultural or wellness activities. All of these help position the island as an attractive place to live. Whether they arrived last year or almost two decades ago, everyone I interviewed considered Samui to be home. Some came to escape the 9-to-5 grind, while others came to start a business or raise a family. Regardless of their reasons, they all say they've found a rhythm that feels freer and more sustainable than what they left behind. From the US to the UK and beyond, they've put down roots — and aren't planning to leave. Editors: Alex Karplus, Lina Batarags Reporters: Amanda Goh Design: Alyssa Powell Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
I'm raising my family in Thailand and feel less pressure to be a perfect mom
Sandy Cacchione left Switzerland and moved to Thailand with her husband to work at a diving center. They settled down in Koh Samui, where she gave birth to her daughter, who is now 5 years old. She feels less pressure to be an 'Instagram mom,' and says the island has allowed her daughter to be a child. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sandy Cacchione, a 41-year-old Swiss woman raising her daughter in Koh Samui, Thailand. She is also the founder of a destination-focused travel and events platform. It has been edited for length and clarity. I met my now-husband in 2009 on a popular diving island in Thailand. I was on vacation from my hometown of Basel, Switzerland, while he had stopped on the island to complete his divemaster training during a yearlong trip around the world. After dating long-distance for a year and a half, we decided to move to Koh Tao to work at the diving center where we had first met. It's an island in the Gulf of Thailand, just a ferry ride from Koh Samui. He became a diving instructor, while I started off as an underwater videographer and eventually became an instructor myself. We got married five years later, and although we loved the time we'd spent on that island, we were ready to settle down and start a family. Koh Samui, over 10 times bigger, offered the environment we were looking for, so we moved there instead. It's a perfect mix of the laid-back island lifestyle we love and all the amenities we need. There is a cinema, a shopping mall, an international airport, and hospitals and schools. When I was pregnant, my mother moved to Samui to be close to her first grandchild. I gave birth to my daughter in 2020, who is now five years old and enrolled in an international kindergarten on the island. I normally drop my daughter off by 9 a.m. and pick her up between 3:30 and 4 p.m. It's on the later side, since the earliest she can do is 8:30 a.m., but I don't like to rush in the mornings, and neither does she. It's a Montessori-inspired school that follows the English curriculum. In Switzerland, the school day usually starts around 8 a.m., so kids need to get up much earlier. In the afternoon, students typically return home for lunch. Moreover, different grades have different schedules. When I was visiting a friend in Switzerland, her two kids didn't have the same lunchtime. Coordinating is impossible; your whole day revolves around your kids. Many kids back in Switzerland also participate in lots of activities. As a mother, I probably would've felt pressured to enroll my daughter in something. While there are extracurricular activities for kids in Samui, there is no pressure to sign them up. Nobody will say, "Oh, your kid's not doing ballet?" Everyone's friendly and supportive. Social media here is more about traveling and breaking free from a conventional lifestyle. There is nothing about "I'm a perfect mom, this is what I did today." Even in my daughter's school, the kids get exposed to so many different cultures and learn to be more accepting of others from a young age. People living in Samui tend to be more open-minded. Most of the people I've met have already lived in other countries before; this is rarely their first stop. When my daughter sees videos of other children playing at a park on YouTube or from friends back in Europe, and she says, "Mommy, can we go to the park?" I say, "Well, there's no park." There are indoor play spaces but hardly any well-maintained outdoor playgrounds or parks like the ones I've seen back in Switzerland. I've found that if you don't want to do an activity, it's difficult to just go somewhere and meet other families. You need to know where to go or arrange to meet someone somewhere. For teenagers, it's much harder to find things to do. Some hang out at the shopping mall, but getting around the island can be difficult. Walking here isn't easy — it's hot, there aren't many sidewalks, and there's no public transportation like buses or subways. The roads can be dangerous, so I'd never want my child riding a motorbike here. They're really kid-friendly here. There's so much space almost everywhere, and she can run around. Even in restaurants, you never feel shushed. We live up in the mountains, about 10 minutes from the main road. There is no road noise, and we have a nice view of the valley and a little bit of the ocean. It's very quiet and slow, even in the mornings. If I'm 10 minutes late dropping my daughter off, it's not a problem. Even as a mother, I'm not stressed. Do you have a story to share about raising a child after relocating to a new country? Contact this reporter at agoh@ Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Valeura Energy Inc.: Block B5/27 Drilling Results
SINGAPORE, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Valeura Energy Inc. (TSX:VLE, OTCQX:VLERF) ("Valeura" or the "Company") announces completion of an eight-well drilling campaign at Licence B5/27 (100% operated working interest), offshore Gulf of Thailand. Sean Guest, President and CEO commented:"Block B5/27 is a prime example of how with ongoing drilling activity we can continue to commercialise new accumulations to maintain a stable and predictable stream of cash flow from each of our Gulf of Thailand assets. At the same time, we have appraised several additional reservoir intervals which will form the basis of a future drilling campaign on the block. We expect to demonstrate further reserves adds at our next year-end reserves evaluation, giving rise to yet another extension in the economic life of the field." Jasmine CValeura drilled two development wells from the Jasmine C platform. Both wells were successful and exceeded management's expectation for total oil pay and are currently online as producers. Well C-30ST1H was drilled as a horizontal lateral within the 400 sand reservoir and was completed as an oil producer. The well's completion design includes an autonomous inflow control device, which has made it possible to complete the well as an oil producer despite being drilled into a mixed gas/oil transition zone. Well C-39 was directionally drilled to develop three separate reservoir intervals (the 330, 160, and 50 sands), and was successful with all targets. It was completed as a multi-zone producer, with the 330 interval now online. Ban Yen AThe Company drilled three wells from the Ban Yen A platform. Two were primarily development wells with additional appraisal targets, and one was a dedicated appraisal well. The two development wells were successful, having exceeded expectations for total pay, and are online contributing to production. Well BYA-35ST1 was drilled as a deviated multi-objective well. The well successfully developed remaining oil volumes from multiple already-producing reservoirs, and was completed for production from a total of six sand reservoirs, which will be produced sequentially. In addition, the well appraised several targets which will now be matured for inclusion in a future development drilling programme. Total oil pay encountered was approximately double management's pre-drill estimates. Well BYA-42 was drilled as a deviated well targeting remaining oil in a single reservoir interval (the 50 sands), and has been completed as a producer. In addition, the well also successfully appraised two shallower reservoir targets, being the 480 and 260 sands, which are being evaluated as potential future infill drilling locations. Well BYA-41 was an appraisal well drilled to evaluate the potential of the 50 series reservoir sands. The well encountered oil and identified a deeper oil-water contact than predicted, but the reservoir target was found to be poorly developed at this location, resulting in small volumes. As a result, the Company has chosen not to complete the well as a producer, but will integrate the data gathered into its models, with the objective of identifying alternative locations in the vicinity to develop this reservoir. Jasmine DValeura drilled two deviated development wells from the Jasmine D platform. Both were successful and are now contributing to production. Well D-44 was drilled as a deviated development well with multiple targets. The well encountered its primary targets (the 500 and 600 series sands) as intended, successfully accessing remaining oil at the structure's crest. In addition, the well verified upside in all of its secondary targets, covering five additional reservoir sands, which indicates the potential for further development of this fault block in the future. Well D-45 was also drilled as a deviated development well into the block's main fault block. The well encountered oil in all three of its primary targets (the 250, 245, and 160 sands) and was completed as a multi-zone producer. In addition, the well encountered oil in its secondary 680 sand target, which will be developed by an additional well as part of a future development campaign. RatreeThe Ratree exploration well intersected its target sand reservoirs as prognosed but encountered only trace amounts of hydrocarbons. Results suggest that oil did not migrate to this particular reservoir trend, resulting in insufficient hydrocarbon charge. Further prospective trends within the B5/27 block are being evaluated for future exploration potential. The block B5/27 drilling programme was completed safely, on time, and under budget. As a result of the campaign, the Company has maintained oil production rates approximately consistent with its Q1 performance, thereby offsetting the impact of natural declines. The Company's contracted drilling rig is now being mobilised to the Nong Yao field, where the Company plans to drill a programme of approximately 10 development wells. For further information, please contact: Valeura Energy Inc. (General Corporate Enquiries) +65 6373 6940Seann Guest, President and CEO Yacine Ben-Meriem, CFOContact@ Valeura Energy Inc. (Investor and Media Enquiries) +1 403 975 6752 / +44 7392 940495Robin James Martin, Vice President, Communications and Investor RelationsIR@ Contact details for the Company's advisors, covering research analysts and joint brokers, including Auctus Advisors LLP, Canaccord Genuity Ltd (UK), Cormark Securities Inc., Research Capital Corporation, and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited, are listed on the Company's website at About the Company Valeura Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas in Thailand and in Türkiye. The Company is pursuing a growth-oriented strategy and intends to re-invest into its producing asset portfolio and to deploy resources toward further organic and inorganic growth in Southeast Asia. Valeura aspires toward value accretive growth for stakeholders while adhering to high standards of environmental, social and governance responsibility. Additional information relating to Valeura is also available on SEDAR+ at Advisory and Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain information included in this news release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking information is for the purpose of explaining management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project", "target" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company's ability continue to commercialise new accumulations to maintain a stable and predictable stream of cash flow; appraised reservoir intervals forming the basis of a future drilling campaign on the block; and the potential for further reserves adds and a further extension in the economic life of the field. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information is based on management's current expectations and assumptions regarding, among other things: political stability of the areas in which the Company is operating; continued safety of operations and ability to proceed in a timely manner; continued operations of and approvals forthcoming from governments and regulators in a manner consistent with past conduct; ability to achieve extensions to licences in Thailand and Türkiye to support attractive development and resource recovery; future drilling activity on the required/expected timelines; the prospectivity of the Company's lands; the continued favourable pricing and operating netbacks across its business; future production rates and associated operating netbacks and cash flow; decline rates; future sources of funding; future economic conditions; the impact of inflation of future costs; future currency exchange rates; interest rates; the ability to meet drilling deadlines and fulfil commitments under licences and leases; future commodity prices; the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the impact of conflicts in the Middle East; royalty rates and taxes; management's estimate of cumulative tax losses being correct; future capital and other expenditures; the success obtained in drilling new wells and working over existing wellbores; the performance of wells and facilities; the availability of the required capital to funds its exploration, development and other operations, and the ability of the Company to meet its commitments and financial obligations; the ability of the Company to secure adequate processing, transportation, fractionation and storage capacity on acceptable terms; the capacity and reliability of facilities; the application of regulatory requirements respecting abandonment and reclamation; the recoverability of the Company's reserves and contingent resources; future growth; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the impact of increasing competition; the availability and identification of mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to successfully negotiate and complete any mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to efficiently integrate assets and employees acquired through acquisitions; global energy policies going forward; international trade policies; future debt levels; and the Company's continued ability to obtain and retain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost efficient manner. In addition, the Company's work programmes and budgets are in part based upon expected agreement among joint venture partners and associated exploration, development and marketing plans and anticipated costs and sales prices, which are subject to change based on, among other things, the actual results of drilling and related activity, availability of drilling, offshore storage and offloading facilities and other specialised oilfield equipment and service providers, changes in partners' plans and unexpected delays and changes in market conditions. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information involves significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Exploration, appraisal, and development of oil and natural gas reserves and resources are speculative activities and involve a degree of risk. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company including, but not limited to: the ability of management to execute its business plan or realise anticipated benefits from acquisitions; the risk of disruptions from public health emergencies and/or pandemics; competition for specialised equipment and human resources; the Company's ability to manage growth; the Company's ability to manage the costs related to inflation; disruption in supply chains; the risk of currency fluctuations; changes in interest rates, oil and gas prices and netbacks; the risk that the Company's tax advisors' and/or auditors' assessment of the Company's cumulative tax losses varies significantly from management's expectations of the same; potential changes in joint venture partner strategies and participation in work programmes; uncertainty regarding the contemplated timelines and costs for work programme execution; the risks of disruption to operations and access to worksites; potential changes in laws and regulations, including international treaties and trade policies; the uncertainty regarding government and other approvals; counterparty risk; the risk that financing may not be available; risks associated with weather delays and natural disasters; and the risk associated with international activity. See the most recent annual information form and management's discussion and analysis of the Company for a detailed discussion of the risk factors Certain forward-looking information in this news release may also constitute "financial outlook" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Financial outlook involves statements about Valeura's prospective financial performance or position and is based on and subject to the assumptions and risk factors described above in respect of forward-looking information generally as well as any other specific assumptions and risk factors in relation to such financial outlook noted in this news release. Such assumptions are based on management's assessment of the relevant information currently available, and any financial outlook included in this news release is made as of the date hereof and provided for the purpose of helping readers understand Valeura's current expectations and plans for the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on any financial outlook may not be appropriate for other purposes or in other circumstances and that the risk factors described above or other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from any financial outlook. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction, including where such offer would be unlawful. This news release is not for distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Ireland, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which its publication or distribution would be unlawful. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ or visit