Refining & Petrochemical Innovation Conference Thailand 2027

As Thailand's downstream sector enters 2027, the industry faces a defining paradox: record-high refining margins coinciding with a prolonged petrochemical trough cycle. The Golden Age of Refining – driven by tightening global supply from refinery closures in the US and Europe – has delivered Singapore Gross Refining Margins of approximately US$12/bbl in 2026, with analysts projecting continued strength through 2027-2028. Yet the petrochemical segment remains under intense pressure, with olefin and aromatic spreads compressed by structural overcapacity from China. Thai refiners have dramatically reduced their reliance on Middle Eastern crude from 58% to just 30%, diversifying supply sources in response to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The decarbonization imperative has moved from policy to execution. The OECD has provided Thailand with actionable roadmaps for bio-ethylene production, bio-based and biodegradable plastics, and Carbon Capture and Storage. With the petrochemical sector being ASEAN's largest and plastics accounting for nearly 7% of national GDP, Thailand aims to position itself as the ASEAN bioplastics hub by 2027. The Draft Climate Change Act, Emissions Trading Scheme, and Thailand Taxonomy are expected to provide the regulatory backbone for carbon pricing and investment incentives.

Against this backdrop of peak cycle dynamics, geopolitical recalibration, and accelerated decarbonization mandates, Refining & Petrochemical Innovation Conference Thailand 2027, scheduled for January 20-21, 2027 in Bangkok, will convene 300+ government officials, refinery and petrochemical project owners, EPCs, global technology licensors, digital solution providers, and equipment vendors to navigate the critical challenges and opportunities shaping Thailand's downstream future.