Thailand-based Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Pcl (RATCH) has “seriously assessed” investment possibility in neighbouring countries including Cambodia, a company statement said last Thursday.

It said it had geared up for business expansion in domestic and international markets in the potential existing investment bases Laos and Australia, but is also considering Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines.

“For capacity expansion, the company has set aside Bt10 billion ($336.8 million) budget for accommodating development of committed projects and new investment,” Chief Executive Officer Noppol Milinthanggoon said in the statement.

Earlier last week, The Nation reported that the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) plans to build a coal-powered plant in Cambodia to produce 4,000 megawatts of electricity.

Meng Saktheara, director general of industry at the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, told the Post last week that while he is not aware of EGAT’s plans, he welcomes them. “It would contribute to the diversification of energy sources, which is very important for Cambodia’s development and would attract more industry.”

RATCH could not be reached for comments and did not reply to an email sent yesterday.

The company closed at 56.75 baht on the Stock Exchange of Thailand on Friday, down 0.44 per cent on the day.