BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Justice has launched a nationwide crackdown on fuel-related violations amid supply concerns linked to geopolitical tensions, coordinating enforcement with the Ministry of Energy and multiple agencies.
Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthaphon Naowarat led the operation alongside Energy Minister Akanat Promphan, Permanent Secretary for Energy Prasert Sinsukprasert, Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Department of Special Investigation Director-General Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam, Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center Secretary-General Adm Thadawut Thatpitakkul, and Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poonsawat. The operation targets irregularities across the fuel supply chain on land and at sea through closer coordination and data sharing.
Authorities identified several key issues. Investigations found suspicious vessel activity, including ships disabling tracking systems and conducting mid-sea oil transfers, with irregular patterns in 20 of 24 voyages. Reviews also uncovered abnormal fuel discrepancies, including instances in which reported volumes increased during transport and documents were altered to misrepresent timelines. Inspections of storage facilities pointed to possible large-scale hoarding, with some depots receiving more fuel than they distributed.
Summonses have been issued to eight shipping companies linked to the irregularities, with cases transferred to the Department of Special Investigation. Authorities also reported incomplete documentation from some agencies, which remains under review. Nationwide inspections of six refineries and 92 storage facilities uncovered violations such as illegal transfers, false stock reporting, unlicensed operations, and delayed distribution.
Investigations and legal proceedings are continuing as authorities work to stabilize supply and protect consumers. (NNT)
