Thailand's June coal imports hit record high as LNG shock revives coal burn

Thailand imported 2.49 million tonnes of coal in June, up 56.2% year on year and 48.6% from May, according to the latest data from Thai Customs. The volume was the highest monthly total since at least 2023 and reflected surging summer power demand and coal's renewed cost advantage over liquefied natural gas (LNG) as global gas prices climbed.

Thermal coal, including bituminous and sub-bituminous grades, accounted for the bulk at 2.44 million tonnes, higher by 53.6% on year and 46.5% on month. Anthracite imports climbed to 44,114 tonnes from 2,559 tonnes a year earlier, while briquettes reached 1,424 tonnes. Coking coal and lignite remained negligible, the Customs