Bangkok: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is expediting its inquiry into the suspected hoarding of fuel in Surat Thani province, following unusual fuel distribution figures, with the aim of presenting the case to the Pollution Control Board (PCB) for classification as a special case.

According to Thai News Agency, Police Lieutenant Colonel Woranan Srilam, Director of the Consumer Protection Division and spokesperson for the DSI, disclosed that the Director-General of the DSI held a meeting with the investigation team to delineate the investigation's scope and approach. This included establishing the duties and responsibilities of the War Room, which will oversee oil depots and hoarding activities in cooperation with other relevant agencies. This follows an investigation in Surat Thani that exposed irregular oil distribution, hinting at hoarding for speculative reasons.

The investigation team is now tasked with collecting all evidence of potential offenses to submit the matter to the Special Cases Committee (SCC) board promptly. This is considered the initial case. Analysis by the Department of Energy Business and associated agencies revealed discrepancies in reported oil figures, showing shortages at distribution points despite the same user group. The investigation will focus on why the unsold fuel was being stockpiled and whether there was a legitimate reason for it.

During the process of accepting the case as a special case, police maintain the authority to investigate. Once classified as a special case, the DSI will collaborate with the police in an integrated investigation under DSI regulations. The DSI is committed to prosecuting those responsible, and if influential figures or politicians are implicated, their identities will be protected while their behavior is monitored until sufficient evidence is gathered.

In other regions, such as Ang Thong province, investigation teams are collecting evidence of wrongdoing to present to the board. The initial charge under consideration is based on the Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542 (1999). However, this charge requires submission to the SCC Board, as it involves other criminal offenses and cannot be directly accepted as a special case by the DSI Director-General alone. If approved, a special investigation team will be appointed, potentially including officers from other agencies.