The Prime Minister orders the Internal Security Operations Command to pressure refineries and border checkpoints to block illegal oil exports, aiming to stop the cycle of masked smugglers profiting from oil price differences.
On 27 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, acting as Director of Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), urgently directed ISOC to integrate all agencies for strict nationwide inspection of the fuel oil system. The goal is to prevent hoarding and illegal smuggling of oil abroad, which is worsening the energy crisis. The operational plan covers all stages from origin to transit and destination.
At the origin, meaning refineries, ISOC Region 4 was assigned to monitor production and management of oil strictly according to the law. For transit and distribution, provincial and sector ISOC units are sweeping transportation routes, especially border areas, to intercept smuggling operations exporting oil illegally. At the destination, meaning service stations, joint inspection teams randomly check gas stations across the country to prevent hoarding and illegal sales, aiming to maintain market stability and transparency in the energy trade system.
The Prime Minister emphasized that these measures focus on protecting the public from exploitation and stopping the cycle of “masked” profiteers who make gains from oil price differentials. He also ordered continuous operational reporting to ensure the highest effectiveness.