Songkhla: Pol. Gen. Thatchai inspected the southern border to prevent the smuggling of oil, tightening controls to intercept "ant armies" (a metaphor for small-scale smuggling operations).
According to Thai News Agency, the inspection took place today at the Sadao Customs House meeting room in Songkhla Province. The meeting was held to reinforce measures aimed at preventing the smuggling, exportation, and hoarding of fuel along the Thai-Malaysian border. This initiative follows the policy outlined by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Police General Kittirat Panpetch, Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police. Police General Thatchai Pitanilabutr, who serves as Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Fuel Crime Suppression Center, Royal Thai Police, led the effort.
The meeting was attended by senior police officials, including Pol. Maj. Gen. Pongpipat Siripornwiwat, Deputy Commander of the Border Patrol Police, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Theerasak Chaiyotha, Commander of the Songkhla Provincial Police. Representatives from various departments such as the Sadao Customs Office, Songkhla Provincial Excise Department, and Immigration Bureau Region 6 also participated, alongside military representatives from the 5th Infantry Regiment Task Force.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai emphasized that this proactive field visit aligns with government instructions to monitor the situation. He noted a discrepancy in regional energy prices, which could be a factor in fuel smuggling activities. To address this, efforts have been coordinated with relevant agencies, including the Customs Department and security forces, to monitor and control the situation closely.
Current field monitoring indicates a price difference, with diesel in Malaysia being approximately 6 baht per liter higher than in Thailand. Despite this, joint inspections by all agencies have not detected any smuggling activities at customs checkpoints or along the border. Malaysian authorities have also implemented strict measures to prevent fuel smuggling, making such activities uneconomical and disorganized.
Nevertheless, authorities have been instructed to maintain strict enforcement, particularly against "ant army" smuggling operations that involve transporting small quantities of oil in multiple shipments. Increased patrols along the border and in high-risk areas have been ordered to prevent and suppress these offenses decisively.
The Royal Thai Police affirmed its commitment to integrating efforts across sectors to maintain energy stability, safeguard national interests, and ensure justice for the public.