In Phetchabun, a well driller lost 40,000 baht after buying fuel to fill an air compressor but received fuel diluted with 50% water instead. He warned others to be careful when buying fuel during this time, as some stations are exploiting the energy crisis.
On 17 March 2026, a reporter reported that a Facebook user posted a warning video advising people to be cautious when buying fuel to avoid getting water instead. The post included the message, “Bought fuel but got water. Please be careful with all air compressors.”
The reporter then contacted the poster, who is a well driller named Mr. Amnat Thuensanthia. He explained that while working on a groundwater drilling project in Nong Phai district, Phetchabun, he ran out of diesel. He sent his assistant to buy fuel from a village station in Bueng Sam Phan district, paying 40,000 baht to fill the air compressor used to power the drilling engine for a client in Nong Phai district. After refueling the generator, it failed to start. Upon inspection, he found the fuel injector was not working. After draining the fuel, he discovered it was 50% water, very clear. He then drained all the fuel and bought high-quality fuel elsewhere, after which the engine started and operated normally.
Mr. Amnat added that his assistant had previously bought fuel costing 50,000–60,000 baht which worked fine, but the second purchase of 40,000 baht failed. Fortunately, the engine was not damaged. He offered this as a cautionary tale to others to check fuel carefully before buying to avoid bad luck like his. He did not file a complaint, considering it a stroke of bad luck.