SET-listed PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR), the largest oil trader in Thailand by volume, is preparing to suspend its refined oil exports to Myanmar in accordance with government policy aimed at combating criminal gangs operating in the neighboring country.
OR is poised to comply with the government’s enforcement actions and is awaiting an official directive from the National Security Council (NSC) prohibiting oil exports through five border checkpoints, according to Racha Uthaichan, OR’s executive vice-president for international business.
On February 4, the NSC approved additional measures to address the crime issue, collaborating with businesses to cease oil exports and telecommunication services to areas under suspicion, as reported by media outlets.
Electricity supplies were cut on Wednesday in five regions where Chinese-run scam operations are rampant.
OR currently exports between 15-20 million liters of gasoline and diesel to Myanmar each month.
The company’s products are resold to petrol stations in Myawaddy, Tachileik, Myeik, and Kawthoung.
Oil is exported through a checkpoint near the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot district, Tak.
Prior to the NSC’s resolution, oil-laden trucks had already departed from the depot and were en route to the bridge, according to Mr. Racha.
These trucks are now unable to cross the checkpoint in Mae Sot district, he noted.
“We are monitoring the situation. If the trucks cannot proceed through the checkpoint, we will need to inform our customers immediately,” Mr. Racha added.
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced that the government would reduce electricity supply by 50% to areas in Myanmar suspected of being utilized by criminal syndicates for their operations.
This decision followed a meeting on February 3 involving the NSC, officials from the Interior Ministry, and the Provincial Electricity Authority concerning the plan to diminish electricity supply to regions linked to illegal activities.
According to Mr. Phumtham, the Foreign Affairs Ministry will notify Myanmar about this resolution, which is expected to impact several towns along the Thai-Myanmar border, including Shwe Kokko in Myawaddy opposite the Mae Sot district.
These areas are believed to be hosting online scam syndicates.
