Energy Minister Akanat Promphan has pledged to pursue a major fuel hoarding and smuggling case “to the very end” following scrutiny in parliament by Rangsiman Rome.
Speaking in the House of Representatives, Mr Akanat said authorities are working to identify those behind an illicit network allegedly linked to a prominent oil trader known as “Sia Tue”. The network is suspected of hoarding fuel, smuggling it to Cambodia and having connections to scam operations.
The Department of Special Investigation (Department of Special Investigation) has classified the case as a special investigation, citing irregularities at a fuel depot in Ang Thong province and possible links to multiple storage sites nationwide.
Mr Akanat added that his “Sud Soi” task force will support the probe by analysing transport routes and compliance records. Early findings suggest coordinated operations involving missing or delayed shipments.
Authorities have already identified more than 100 violations by licensed fuel traders. Investigations into maritime transport revealed suspicious activity across 99 trips, including route delays, signal shutdowns and possible mid-sea fuel transfers involving several vessels.
Officials estimate that between 57 and 60 million litres of fuel may have gone missing during shipments to Surat Thani province.