Surat thani: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is poised to investigate a giant oil depot in Surat Thani, citing irregularities and a 100% surge in diesel sales despite the current shortage crisis. Police Lieutenant General Ruttapol Naowarat, Minister of Justice, revealed the progress of a joint operation with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Surat Thani Provincial Police to conduct a thorough inspection of a major oil depot located at the mouth of the Tapi River. This follows the discovery of serious irregularities in March's diesel sales, which were more than double the actual amount, contradicting the oil shortage in the upper southern region. Officials are gathering evidence and questioning those involved. If wrongdoing is found, the case will be transferred to the DSI for decisive criminal prosecution and further investigations will include asset seizure under money laundering laws.
According to Thai News Agency, this inspection stems from an operation on April 1st, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, along with Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen, Deputy Minister of Defence, and Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabutr, Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Fuel Crime Suppression Center. They conducted a coordinated inspection of six fuel depots under Section 7 and Section 10 of the Act, as per Prime Minister's Order No. 3/2569, aimed at addressing the fuel shortage. The inspection revealed that one fuel depot in Surat Thani recorded diesel sales of 10,000,000 liters in March, a significant increase from the 4,800,000 liters sold in February-a jump of over 100%. This is highly unusual considering the nationwide increase of only 20%. Meanwhile, gasoline sales plummeted to only 400,000 liters from the previous 1,700,000 liters.
Investigations revealed that during the period when the government controlled oil prices, leading to a market shortage, this oil depot continued to order oil from refineries as usual. However, irregularities were found in the distribution of goods to retailers. Therefore, officials are urgently investigating the connections and gathering in-depth evidence. Pol. Maj. Gen. Suwicha Jindakham, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 8, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Suwat Suksi, Commander of Surat Thani Provincial Police, have ordered investigators to expedite the compilation of case files to prosecute those involved in hoarding or corruption to the fullest extent of the law, in order to alleviate the suffering of the people in the area as quickly as possible.