A joint investigative task force submitted evidence to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) today against a petrol company in Ang Thong province, alleging fuel reporting violations and other suspected irregularities linked to the country’s recent energy crisis.
The task force, referred to by Thai media as the ‘energy Sud Soi team’ or ‘end-of-the-alley team’, was set up by former energy minister Akanat Promphan.
Thitiphat Chotidechachainan, head of the Ministry of Industry working group, said the company allegedly failed to report daily fuel intake and distribution volumes on 20 occasions in March and April, a violation of a prime ministerial order issued during this year’s energy crisis.
She said each violation carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
According to Thitiphat, the alleged actions suggest an attempt to move fuel outside the regulated system, making transportation routes untraceable and potentially undermining national energy security.
A detailed investigation by the Ang Thong Provincial Energy Office also uncovered what authorities described as “suspicious business arrangements,” she said.
Investigators also found links to a wider family-connected business network operating in several provinces, including Chiang Rai, Phitsanuloke, Phetchaburi, Chachoengsao and Samut Prakan.
“The DSI is currently tracing financial transactions to identify the ultimate figure behind the operation and the person authorising payments,” Thitiphat said.
Since the energy crisis began in March, authorities have filed 10 cases involving alleged counterfeit fuel, illegal fuel transportation outside the regulated system and fuel price overcharging, according to Thitiphat.
She said investigators hope that the evidence collected would help police and the DSI to dismantle networks accused of exploiting consumers.
