BANGKOK, Thailand – Justice Minister Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon Naowarat and Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelaboot chaired an operational meeting on March 22, to strengthen efforts against fuel smuggling and illegal oil trade in Thai waters.
The operation at the Marine Police Division in Samut Prakan Province aligns with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s directive to prevent fuel hoarding, price gouging, and illegal export of national energy reserves.
The meeting reviewed the deployment of the “Chaijinda” command ship and 30 patrol vessels for intensive maritime surveillance. Although no large-scale tanker smuggling has been detected, authorities have intercepted several mid-sea operations selling contraband fuel to fishing vessels. These actions were coordinated with the Excise Department to ensure full legal prosecution. During patrols, the “Chaijinda” also rescued two Vietnamese crew members from a capsized vessel.
After the briefing, the Justice Minister and the Deputy Commissioner-General oversaw the deployment of the “Pathumwan 3” patrol boat and special operations teams to expand maritime interdiction operations. The Minister of Justice noted that ongoing global energy pressures and the price gap between “Green Oil” (subsidized fuel for fishers) and retail prices encourage transnational smuggling, posing a direct threat to Thailand’s energy security.
The Deputy Commissioner-General issued a “zero tolerance” directive to the Fuel Crime Suppression Center (FCSC) and Marine Police, ordering a comprehensive scan of all coastal areas. Officers must submit daily operational reports, and any violations will result in immediate legal action without exception.
The Royal Thai Police encourages the public to report information on fuel smuggling, adulteration, or hoarding through the 1599 hotline, available 24 hours a day. (NNT)
