The Sangkhla Buri Border Command Center has implemented fuel control measures prohibiting purchasing fuel in jerrycans except when necessary, limiting purchases to 1,000 baht per vehicle to prevent illegal cross-border fuel sales. Meanwhile, the city of Payathonzu across the border in Myanmar is beginning to experience fuel shortages.
On 9 Mar 2026 GMT+7, at the Rasi Meeting Room in Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province, the Thai Border Command Center in cooperation with local administrative authorities, the Lat Ya Task Force of the Surasi Force, Sangkhla Buri Police Station, local fuel station operators, and related agencies held a meeting to discuss and acknowledge measures amid increased fuel demand caused by conflicts in the Middle East region. The goal is to minimize the impact on local fuel consumers and strictly control illegal fuel smuggling to neighboring countries.
Mr. Suriyasak Muan-um, Sangkhla Buri District Chief and meeting chairman, along with Police Colonel Santi Pitaksakul, Chief of Sangkhla Buri Police Station, requested cooperation to ensure energy security. The Sangkhla Buri Border Command Center outlined the following measures:
1. Limit fuel purchases to no more than 1,000 baht per transaction, except in special cases which must be reported to district officials for approval.
2. Prohibit filling fuel into jerrycans except when necessary and with prior approval from district officials at fuel stations, such as for agricultural purposes or small community fuel pumps.
3. Government agencies will strictly prosecute any cases of illegal fuel smuggling out of the kingdom according to the law.
4. Government offices will follow the same rules as the public, using fuel only for official duties and prohibiting fuel hoarding.
Officials will be stationed at both local fuel stations to assist in reducing conflicts and clarify issues between operators and customers in cases requiring large fuel purchases, aiming to prevent fuel from being smuggled to neighboring countries.
Earlier this morning, Mr. Suriyasak Muan-um assigned Mr. Damrongrat Suphaphat, Security Deputy Chief of Sangkhla Buri District, to monitor officers at the Border Patrol Police Checkpoint 134 at Ban Songkalia and the security checkpoint at Ban Nam Kiek, Moo 8, Nong Lu Subdistrict, Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province. Officers were asked to increase vigilance in inspecting all vehicles traveling to Ban Phra Chedi Sam Ong. If any fuel-filled jerrycans are found, immediate confiscation is required to prevent illegal fuel smuggling out of the kingdom, following the Cabinet resolution dated 17 Feb 2026.
At the Dang Service Fuel Station in Moo 3, Nong Lu Subdistrict, Sangkhla Buri District, many local residents queued with cars, motorcycles, and fuel containers to buy diesel, gasohol, and gasoline. This caused a long line extending over 200 meters onto Road 323 (Sangkhla Buri – Three Pagodas Pass). Sangkhla Buri Police had to manage traffic to prevent potential accidents.
Ms. Panthorn Tengthieng, Manager of Dang Service, stated that fuel sales continue normally today, prioritizing vehicles already in line to expedite clearing the congestion at the station and on Road 323. Each vehicle is allowed to purchase up to 1,000 baht worth of fuel. Customers bringing jerrycans must register and receive a queue card, providing name and address details to prevent fuel from being resold across the border. Jerrycan purchases are limited to 500 baht per person.
Fuel prices in Sangkhla Buri remain at normal rates: diesel at 31.91 baht per liter, gasohol 95 at 32.82 baht per liter, gasohol 91 at 32.42 baht per liter, gasohol E20 at 29.01 baht per liter, and gasoline at 41.41 baht per liter. The station assures no price gouging and sufficient fuel supply for local residents.
Security sources report that the city of Payathonzu currently faces shortages of all fuel types, as Myanmar authorities have prohibited fuel imports into the area. This has caused the three fuel stations in Payathonzu to run out of fuel for 2-3 days, driving prices up to 80 baht per liter. Consequently, there is increased illegal smuggling of fuel from Sangkhla Buri to take advantage of the nearly twofold price difference.