Chonburi: The Excise Department, in collaboration with the Royal Thai Navy, has seized 85,000 liters of diesel fuel from a suspicious vessel in the Sattahip area of Chonburi Province and imposed fines exceeding 3.85 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Pornchai Theeravech, Director-General of the Excise Department, announced that on March 27, 2026, he assigned key officials, including Lieutenant Yongyuth Phumiprathet and Mr. Sumet Ritjaroen, to lead the operation. The Prevention and Suppression Division 3 of the Inspection, Prevention and Suppression Bureau worked together with the Excise Region 2 Office, Chonburi 2 Excise Area Office, and the Royal Thai Navy Region 1 to inspect the suspicious vessels.
Initial inspections revealed the presence of a liquid in the truck bed resembling diesel fuel, but its origin was unclear. Samples were collected and sent to the Excise Department's Analysis and Confiscated Goods Division for further testing. Preliminary measurements estimated a volume of 85,000 liters. Detailed analysis confirmed the liquid as diesel fuel, consistent with the Excise Tax Act B.E. 2560 (2017). Legal charges were filed against the offenders, resulting in a total fine of 3.85 million baht.
The Director-General emphasized that this action supports Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy of suppressing illegal energy activities to maintain energy stability in the country. It aligns with directives from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, who urges agencies to curb tax evasion across all sectors. Additionally, it corresponds with Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Lavaron Saengsnit's focus on enhancing the efficiency of preventing and suppressing illegal activities, protecting state interests, and ensuring fairness for law-abiding businesses.
The Excise Department will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to rigorously suppress illegal oil smuggling, prevent state revenue loss, and bolster public and business confidence in the economic system.