Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-Ngam indicated on Wednesday that the government would proceed with plans to open bidding for petroleum-exploration concessions despite opposition from the National Reform Council.
Mr Wissanu said the government was waiting for the official report from the NLA and its energy-reform committee before moving on the issue. But the deputy prime minister said the interim charter authorised the government to make decisions on any issues deemed beneficial to the country despite the views of the NRC.
Mr Wissanu will meet the NRC on Thursday and the issue is expected to be high on the agenda.
The energy issue grabbed the spotlight on Tuesday after the NRC unexpectedly voted 130-79 against bidding on the new round of petroleum- and gas-exploration concessions despite the fact the committee had forwarded a report backing the current concession plan.
The full NRC demanded the ministry change the current concession plan's profit-sharing formula to give Thailand a greater share of the revenue and better protect natural resources.
The ministry announced the 21st round oil-concession bidding in September and is accepting bids until Feb 18. In total, 23 onshore and six offshore blocks of potential oil and gas fields are up for grabs.
NRC member Khamnoon Siddhisamarn used his Facebook page to call the NRC vote a "miracle", as he did not expect the committee's recommendation would be rejected.
But he warned that the fight to protect natural resources for public benefit still had a "long way to go".
"The miracle last night was an important step," said the NLA member, who has been fighting against concessions since 2012.