Directors at the Asia-focused oil group Salamander Energy have spent a combined total of more than £500,000 on shares in the company.Chairman Charles Jamieson took 75,000 shares at 276.2p a time, while non-executive directors Robert Cathery and Michael Pavia took 100,000 at 272.8p and 10,000 at 271.1p respectively.Following the purchases, Jamieson now has 734,869 shares, Cathery 400,000 shares and Pavia 30,000. Earlier this month, Salamander said it is getting into position for its upcoming drilling programme in Thailand, although one of the drill rigs is currently being held up in Malaysia.The MB Century 26 land rig has been mobilised and is still expected to begin drilling the first of two appraisal wells at Dao Ruang onshore gas discovery, Block L15/50, around the middle of this month. Top Director BuysSalamander Energy (SMDR) Director name: Mr Robert CatheryAmount purchased: 100,000 @ 272.80p Value: £272,800Salamander Energy (SMDR) Director name: Mr Charles JamiesonAmount purchased: 75,000 @ 276.20p Value: £207,150Securities Trust of Scotland (STS) Director name: Mr Michael Neil DonaldsonAmount purchased: 50,000 @ 111.00p Value: £55,500Salamander Energy (SMDR) Director name: Mr Michael James PaviaAmount purchased: 10,000 @ 271.10p Value: £27,110@UK (ATUK) Director name: Mr Ronald DuncanAmount purchased: 100,000 @ 11.00p Value: £11,000Newmark Security PLC (NWT) Director name: Mr Nick MedlamAmount purchased: 780,000 @ 1.38p Value: £10,764Eckoh (ECK) Director name: Mr Christopher BatterhamAmount purchased: 150,000 @ 6.75p Value: £10,125Eckoh (ECK) Director name: Mr Nicolas B PhilpotAmount purchased: 150,000 @ 6.75p Value: £10,125Top Director SellsLees Foods (LEE) Director name: Mr Clive John MiquelAmount sold: 8,814 @ 190.00p Value: £16,747