Ruttaphon revealed that the Prime Minister summoned security and economic officials to report on suspected oil hoarding. The DSI Director-General admitted finding multiple irregularities, while the Navy Chief of Staff stressed that the Navy arrests every ship violating the law.
On 3 April 2026 at 08:38, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul arrived at the Government House by the usual electric train, without a clear morning schedule. He then invited Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Anek Niti Prasertsap and Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office Pradorn Prisanantakul to meet at the Thai Khu Fah Building to discuss energy information with the Prime Minister. It was expected that discussions would be held by individual agencies.
At 10:30, Police Lieutenant General Ruttaphon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, led a delegation from three agencies, including the DSI headed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Yuttana Praedam, DSI Director-General; Police General Thatchai Pitanilabutr, Deputy Commissioner-General of Police; and Admiral Thadawut Tadpitakkul, Navy Chief of Staff, accompanied by the Marine Department.
Police Lieutenant General Ruttaphon acknowledged he was there to report on the oil situation. When reporters asked if the DSI’s inspections of major oil trading companies in Surat Thani province suggested oil hoarding, Ruttaphon did not answer directly. When asked if the amount involved was large, he said he would report to the Prime Minister first and that the Prime Minister would be the one to brief the media.
Meanwhile, Police Lieutenant Colonel Yuttana briefly stated that several irregularities were found. Additionally, there were discussions following concerns raised about the refining fee increasing by as much as 14 baht per liter.
Admiral Thadawut said regarding whether the Prime Minister had ordered restrictions on oil transport ships that they have been monitoring shipping routes and would provide detailed statements.
When asked if reports would be given to the Prime Minister about illegal oil shipments to Cambodia, Admiral Thadawut said the government had already announced a ban last week, consistent with government policy.
Asked if the Navy had made additional arrests of smugglers, Admiral Thadawut said data needed to be checked but that arrests are routinely made, and anyone breaking the law is apprehended.
When asked if there has been an increase in illegal oil shipments recently, Admiral Thadawut said it occurs as usual but data needs verification. He confirmed that any ship violating the law is dealt with according to legal procedures.
