The Prime Minister signed an order for cooperation among the Police, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and the Department of Provincial Administration to tackle oil hoarding, firmly stating there will be no leniency in prosecutions. He revealed that reviewing daily usage and production figures shows oil is missing.
At 16:45 on 20 March 2026 at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, was interviewed regarding police officers from the Consumer Protection Division (CPD) raiding a major fuel distribution company in Ang Thong Province. This followed complaints from citizens and transport operators about hoarding and unauthorized fuel price increases. He said that he had just signed an order establishing measures to resolve and prevent fuel shortages caused by the Middle East conflict in 2026. The Ministry of Justice, DSI, Royal Thai Police, and Department of Provincial Administration are tasked with prosecuting those suspected of unnecessary hoarding of fuel and goods.
When asked if a special task force would be established, the Prime Minister said this is not a special task force. Asked if this cooperation involves the police and DSI, he said it is a Prime Minister’s order; they are already cooperating. Each agency will set up operational teams to investigate and prosecute illegal activities. Regarding the Ang Thong case, when asked if the culprits are known and what actions will be taken, he said prosecutions are underway using existing laws for all offenses committed.
When reporters asked if other areas might be affected, the Prime Minister said that looking at daily consumption and production figures, there is still a small amount of oil seemingly disappearing, though not a large volume. Investigations continue. They have hypothesized various issues and have a Center for Managing and Monitoring the Middle East Conflict Situation (CMMSC) summarizing information and taking action accordingly.
Asked if such perpetrators could be called "masked men," the Prime Minister replied that they are not masked men. If caught, these are people who buy and hoard oil. Hoarding three hundred thousand liters is not considered emergency or necessary hoarding. Asked about the U.S. easing sanctions on Iranian oil due to oil stuck on ships, he said there is no problem with oil import channels. Planning must cover all products, including crude oil imports.
When asked if the Prime Minister would take strict action against anyone found hoarding oil, regardless of identity, he said definitely. Anyone violating the law, whether regarding oil or other matters, must be prosecuted. There is no leniency. In this era, anyone who shows leniency is also at fault; no one accepts that. Asked whether there would be continuity during the transition of the Ministry of Energy, the Prime Minister said the transition affects the entire Cabinet, which differs between administrations. Even with the same or new ministers, the current government must operate within its term. Since the Royal Decree appointing the Prime Minister has been issued, unless necessary, nothing will be done by the previous government. But since the oil issue is urgent, he continues to exercise the powers of the caretaker government until the new government assumes office.