Parliament heated up as Rangsiman Rome called on the government to purge the oil mafia, exposing "Sia Tue" as a key figure connected to shadow businesses, casinos, and Cambodian scammers. Energy Minister Eknat vowed no leniency in prosecution.
On 23 April 2026, Mr. Rangsiman Rome, an MP from the People's Party, raised a question to the government about progress in cracking down on oil hoarding, focusing on "Sia Tue," who allegedly hoarded over 300,000 liters of oil in Ang Thong Province and is linked to casino businesses and border scammers.
Additionally, Mr. Rangsiman dropped a bombshell in parliament revealing political connections, stating that Sia Tue owes Deputy Prime Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn more than 100 million baht and donated 1 million baht to the Bhumjaithai Party. He questioned whether the government dared to confront this 'masked man' in the cabinet.
Energy Minister Eknat Phompunt responded by confirming that officials had conducted thorough inspections of oil depots and found violations including hoarding and oil adulteration. The DSI has taken the case as a special investigation and was ordered to expand inspections to all 92 oil depots nationwide, reviewing records back to February 2026. If hoarding and speculation are found, criminal charges will be pursued and all illicit profits recovered.
"I do not know or care about Sia Tue. Even if I did, I would not be concerned. Anyone involved in wrongdoing will be prosecuted fully, regardless of their party affiliation. I will definitely pursue all cases," emphasized Mr. Eknat.
Mr. Rangsiman also questioned a 9 billion baht transaction involving oil depots between major companies and Sia Tue's network, suggesting possible siphoning or money laundering. He urged the Anti-Money Laundering Office to freeze assets before any attempts to relocate or flee. The Energy Minister pledged to closely monitor the case and prosecute all offenses to the fullest extent.