Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau revealed that a summons has been issued to the operator of the Ang Thong oil depot, requiring presentation of transport invoices to verify the oil's origin. Failure to explain will lead to legal action. Oil samples have been sent for specification testing. Initially, no irregularities have been found regarding illicit removal of oil from the system or illegal oil operations.
On 23 March at the Central Investigation Bureau headquarters, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sophon Sarapat, Deputy Commissioner, provided an update on police from the Consumer Protection Division working with provincial commerce and energy officers inspecting an oil depot in Ang Thong province. They stated that the key document, the “oil transport invoice,” was missing, and during the raid, the operator could not produce it, only claiming the oil was purchased at a certain price.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Sophon added that this afternoon investigators have issued a summons to the oil depot operator to present the transport invoice and verify the oil’s source and batch. Failure to produce the document may constitute an offense under relevant regulations.
Additionally, officials have collected fuel samples for quality testing to determine compliance with legal standards. If results show non-compliance, further charges will be filed and investigations into the oil’s origin will be expanded.
Regarding other potential offenses, authorities are awaiting clarifications from the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Energy, who will provide information to the Consumer Protection Division to assess whether there has been hoarding or excessive profiteering. Meanwhile, the government and Royal Thai Police have instructed all units, including highway, marine, and local police, to intensify inspections, especially at locations vulnerable to exploiting the public under current circumstances.
When asked about reports that the oil batch was destined for Bangkok but remained stored in Ang Thong, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sophon said that verifying the transport invoices is essential. Once documents are reviewed, they will be compared to origin data to confirm consistency, requiring careful, time-consuming examination.
Regarding allegations of illicit oil removal or illegal oil operations, no abnormalities have been found so far. However, authorities are conducting in-depth investigations using existing databases from highway and marine police. Should any offenses be identified now or retrospectively, legal action will be taken transparently and strictly.
It was reported that the oil depot operator plans to meet investigators this afternoon. Previously, on 22 March, the investigation team issued a summons requesting the operator to explain and submit supporting documents, especially the oil transport invoices.
The case remains under investigation and evidence collection. The summons is an invitation for testimony, not an accusation, and no charges have been filed yet. Officials stress fairness to all parties. If the operator fails to appear without valid reason, a second summons will be issued following legal procedures.