With a strong background in materials science and corrosion engineering, Matina Thammachart leads the Materials and Corrosion Section at PTTEP, where she ensures the integrity and reliability of pipeline assets across complex energy operations. As a dedicated specialist in corrosion management, Matina combines technical expertise with strategic insight to advance sustainable pipeline performance and safety. Her leadership reflects PTTEP’s commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and empowering women in the energy and engineering sectors.

1. You’ve built a remarkable career in corrosion and materials engineering, leading PTTEP’s Materials and Corrosion Section. What inspired you to pursue this specialization, and what have been the most significant challenges along the way as a woman in such a highly technical field?

I’d say it felt like destiny. After completing my master’s degree, an opportunity arose to pursue a PhD in corrosion in the UK, and I decided to step out of my comfort zone—it was my first time living away from home. That decision changed my life. I discovered how corrosion affects every industry and how essential it is to ensuring safe and reliable operations in oil and gas. The more I learned, the more I wanted to bridge science with practical, real-world solutions.

As for challenges, being one of the few women—sometimes the only one—on offshore platforms was a defining experience. It wasn’t negative, but it required preparation, visibility, and continuous self-improvement. I wanted to demonstrate that women can be just as strong, capable, and effective as men in every aspect of the job. I learned to earn trust through competence: mastering the standards, understanding the data, and staying connected to field realities. Clear communication and accountability were key. I’ve also been fortunate to work with supportive teams and collaborators, and today I try to pay that forward—mentoring younger engineers and fostering inclusive, diverse teams. When more voices are heard, our integrity and safety outcomes become stronger.

2. With your PhD in corrosion and nearly two decades of experience at PTTEP, how has your perspective on pipeline integrity and corrosion management evolved, and what key lessons do you believe the industry still needs to learn?

My perspective has evolved from simply applying the standard to truly understanding the system. Early in my career, I focused on compliance—ensuring that materials and designs met codes and followed established guidelines. Over time, knowledge, field experience, and a few hard-earned lessons taught me to look beyond checklists and see the bigger picture.

Today, I view pipeline and facilities integrity as a living, risk-based system. Corrosion management isn’t just about following procedures—it’s about integrating science, data, and field evidence so that assessments reflect what’s actually happening, not just what the models predict. The focus has shifted from reactive fixes to preventive and predictive strategies, continuously refined by real data and operational feedback.

I’ve also come to see that integrity is a team effort. The best outcomes come from strong collaboration across operations, process, corrosion, inspection, and vendor teams, supported by open communication about risk, cost, and consequence. Ultimately, experience taught me to balance rigor with practicality—prioritizing high-risk areas and applying fit-for-purpose solutions that sustain long-term reliability.

In essence, my perspective has moved from compliance to insight—using science, data, and collaboration to make smarter, faster integrity decisions and ensure safe, reliable operations.

3. In your leadership role, you oversee engineering standards, cross-functional projects, and peer reviews. What strategies have helped you establish credibility and influence in a male-dominated industry?

Credibility, to me, is built through consistency and results. I’ve earned trust by delivering high-quality performance, staying accountable, and maintaining professionalism in every task—whether in the field or in the meeting room. This approach isn’t just for succeeding in a male-dominated industry; it applies to any workplace where trust and collaboration matter.

My approach aligns closely with PTTEP’s EP SPIRIT values—Explorer mindset, Passion, Synergy, Innovation, Integrity & Ethics, Trust & Respect, Performance Excellence, and Responsibility for Society. I show up prepared, turn complex risks into clear actions, follow through on commitments, and share credit for success.

By living these principles, credibility becomes natural. Over time, this consistency builds influence—not through authority, but through trust, teamwork, and shared success that strengthen both people and performance.

4. Many young women in STEM look for role models to guide their career paths. What advice would you give to those aspiring to enter the oil, gas, and pipeline sector, especially in technical specialties like corrosion and materials engineering?

My advice is simple: keep improving yourself and never stop learning. Build your knowledge, take ownership, be accountable, earn trust, and value teamwork. Stay active in seeking opportunities to explore new challenges. In technical roles, confidence comes from competence—so invest in developing both your skills and your mindset.

Also, dare to step forward. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or for someone to invite you in—take initiative, volunteer for challenges, and show that you’re ready to contribute. Every experience, whether success or setback, adds to your strength. With curiosity, courage, and consistency, you can build a career that truly makes an impact. You can do it!

5. You are actively engaged in conferences and knowledge-sharing forums. How important do you think visibility and participation in such platforms are for women in engineering, and how has this shaped your own professional journey?

Visibility and participation in conferences are extremely important for women in engineering. Being visible builds credibility, expands professional networks, and opens doors to collaboration and knowledge sharing. It also helps create role models for the next generation, shaping standards and practices through diverse voices.

Active participation—whether by submitting abstracts, asking questions, joining committees, or taking the stage—transforms good work into recognized impact. It not only accelerates individual growth but also strengthens team performance and representation across the industry.

6. PTTEP plays a central role in Southeast Asia’s energy sector. Could you share what the company is doing to support diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how these initiatives are opening more opportunities for women in technical leadership?

PTTEP promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in technical leadership by embedding DE&I principles into policy and daily practice. Through the ‘One Team, One Goal’ mindset, the company fosters inclusive collaboration and values diverse perspectives in decision-making.

PTTEP’s commitment was recognized with the ‘Thailand Diversity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year’ award at the 2025 Asian Management Excellence Awards, highlighting initiatives such as Sabaijai Day, Knowledge Management (KM) Week, and the One Team, One Goal workshops across multiple regions.

Grounded in EP SPIRIT values, these actions ensure that all employees can thrive, contribute, and lead, regardless of gender, nationality, or background.