The Department of Land Transport deployed forces in Chumphon Province to intercept five Chinese trucks illegally operating outside the GMS route to pick up fruits in the southern region. Authorities plan to expand investigations to prosecute those involved and emphasize immediate arrest upon detection.
14 July 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport (DLT). He revealed updates on law enforcement against Chinese cross-border freight trucks violating authorized routes under the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) cross-border transport agreement by illegally operating southbound to carry fruits. The DLT has acted to prevent repeated violations and protect Thai transport operators' interests. On 13 July 2026, the DLT’s Chumphon Transport Office coordinated with Lang Suan Police Station, local administrative officials, customs officers at Chumphon, provincial commerce officials, and immigration officers.
Together, they inspected freight trucks and permits for buying and selling goods, while publicizing regulations for international freight trucks under the GMS transport agreement among member countries—Cambodia, Laos PDR, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam—at Lertporn Market, Morakot Market, and nearby areas in Lang Suan District, Chumphon Province. This proactive measure aims to intercept Chinese trucks attempting to operate outside authorized routes into the southern region.
Mr. Sorapong added that close cooperation between the Chumphon Transport Office and highway police in two provinces led to discovering five Chinese container trucks abandoned at the rear parking area of Morakot Market with no drivers present. Registration checks showed these trucks were authorized for international freight and had passed through Chiang Khong Customs checkpoint in Chiang Rai between 29 June and 1 July, declaring destinations only in Bangkok and Chanthaburi. The trucks were seized for further investigation to identify buyers, sellers, and those involved in unauthorized freight transport for legal action.
The Department of Land Transport warned that any Chinese trucks found off authorized routes will be immediately intercepted. Officials will verify transport documents, and if violations are confirmed, fines will be imposed according to law. Drivers will be ordered to return their trucks to one of the nine authorized main routes under the GMS agreement without permission to pick up goods at unauthorized destinations.
Additionally, the Department has used diplomatic channels to warn international transport operators entering Thailand who deviate from authorized routes to strictly supervise their drivers’ compliance with specified routes. The DLT will continue cooperating with highway police and related agencies to monitor and prevent violations. If violations persist, the department will consider legal measures to regulate cross-border transport fairly and safely.
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