The Excise Department, following the Prime Minister's orders, integrated efforts with the Navy to seize a suspicious vessel carrying 250,000 liters of diesel fuel, with combined fines and taxes exceeding 5.7 million baht.
The Excise Department collaborated with the Navy's First Naval Area Command and the Maritime National Benefits Protection Center, Region 1, to inspect a suspicious vessel in the upper Gulf of Thailand. They discovered possession of approximately 250,000 liters of diesel fuel with no verifiable origin, constituting an offense under the excise law. The assessed fines and taxes amount to over 5.7 million baht.
Dr. Pornchai Theerawet, Director-General of the Excise Department, disclosed that on 10 March 2026, he assigned Lieutenant Yongyut Phumprathet, Strategic Tax Advisor, and Mr. Sumeth Ritjaroen, Director of the Inspection, Prevention, and Suppression Office, to coordinate with the Prevention and Suppression Division 3 of the Inspection, Prevention, and Suppression Bureau, along with the Regional Excise Office 2 and Chonburi Excise Office 2. This joint operation was conducted alongside the First Naval Area Command and the Maritime National Benefits Protection Center, Region 1, to inspect the vessel.
Preliminary inspection found a liquid in the cargo hold resembling diesel fuel, with no identifiable source. Officials collected fuel samples to send to the Excise Department's Product and Evidence Analysis Group for verification. Initial volume measurements estimated approximately 250,000 liters.
Subsequently, the Excise Department conducted detailed testing of the fuel type and quantity. The examination confirmed it was diesel fuel, constituting an offense involving possession of goods without excise tax payment under the law. Legal procedures were initiated, with fines and taxes assessed at around 5.7 million baht.
The Director-General of the Excise Department added that these actions align with the policies of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and directives from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Aekniti Nitithanprapas, as well as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Mr. Lawaron Saengsanit. They emphasized urgent crackdowns on fuel smuggling amid volatile energy prices, with close monitoring of operations.
In conclusion, the Excise Department will continue serious efforts to combat fuel smuggling to prevent tax evasion, protect state interests, and ensure fairness for lawful businesses. It will also integrate cooperation with security agencies and related organizations to intercept energy-related crimes and strengthen public confidence.
/ State Policy /