Bangkok: The House Committee on Anti-Money Laundering has uncovered a significant issue involving the smuggling of 10 million liters of oil into Laos every month, which is then sold at lower prices than in Thailand. The committee's findings have prompted calls for a review of tax loopholes under Section 44, which are believed to facilitate this illegal trade.
According to Thai News Agency, the committee also highlighted security lapses at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Notably, the airport lacks drug detection dogs, and efforts are being made to integrate K9 units for better narcotics inspection. The committee has urged the implementation of proactive measures using intelligence and technology to mitigate these risks. Additionally, the Excise Department has been criticized and urged to examine tax loopholes contributing to the oil smuggling issue.
Mr. Dachai Ekpathapi, MP for Lampang and spokesperson for the House of Representatives' Committee on Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering and Narcotics, held a press conference to discuss these issues. He mentioned that relevant agencies, including Thai Airways and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, were called to explain their proposed solutions to a recent incident involving a flight attendant arrested on drug charges in Australia. He noted that while Suvarnabhumi Airport has 20 explosive detection dogs, it lacks those capable of detecting narcotics. As a result, there is a need for involvement from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) in drug detection efforts.
Mr. Dachai further elaborated on the committee's long-term plan, which includes developing a proactive search and tracking system using modern technologies such as biometric systems and advance passenger data. This will involve data linkage with other agencies to enhance risk analysis capabilities, thus improving operational effectiveness.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reported on its ongoing efforts to protect Thai citizens abroad, noting the continued prosecution of some Thais for drug-related offenses overseas. This highlights the importance of raising public awareness and implementing measures at Thai Airways to prevent employees from carrying or accepting packages, as per airline regulations.
Moreover, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) committee meeting revealed a transnational money laundering scheme linked to oil exports from the Ha Chiang port in Chiang Saen district. Over 10 million liters of oil were exported monthly from February to June, sold to foreign countries for significantly less than the domestic price. This discrepancy is attributed to tax exemptions under Section 44. Concerns have been raised about the potential for money laundering and other illicit activities related to these transactions, prompting calls for a thorough investigation by AMLO and Customs.
The committee is urging the Excise Department to address these loopholes, as the Thai population remains largely unaware of the ongoing oil exports and the high prices they continue to pay domestically.