Sisaket: The Ministry of Commerce seized a vehicle transporting more than 8,000 kg of illegal garlic, sending it for prosecution to protect the rights of Thai farmers, strictly inspecting every transport checkpoint and warehouse in risk areas nationwide.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Udom Srisomsong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that on June 9, 2025, the Sisaket Provincial Commerce Office, along with the Customs Region 2 Office, inspected and seized two pickup trucks carrying imported garlic from abroad. The total load exceeded 8,000 kilograms and was valued at 300,400 baht. The transport did not have the legally required goods transport license and was intercepted while moving from Mueang Mukdahan District to Tha Ruea Market, Mueang District, Sisaket. Both drivers were detained with the evidence and sent to Yang Chum Noi Police Station, Sisaket Province for prosecution.
This arrest is part of stringent measures under the directive of Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, Minister of Commerce. The Department of Internal Trade has been instructed to collaborate with provincial commerce offices, weights and measures inspectors, and customs officers to closely monitor the smuggling of bulb plants, particularly garlic. The goal is to maintain fair agricultural product prices for Thai farmers. Imported garlic is cheaper than local varieties; uncontrolled imports could decrease domestic garlic prices, adversely affecting farmers’ income.
This action violates the Central Committee on the Price of Goods and Services (CCPG) announcement No. 10 B.E. 2567, which regulates the transport of imported garlic. Offenders face imprisonment of up to 5 years, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. Mr. Udom confirmed that the department will rigorously enforce the law and intensify inspections at all transport checkpoints and warehouses in risk-prone areas nationwide.
Mr. Udom urged business operators to adhere strictly to the law. He encouraged farmers and the public to report any illegal activities or suspicions of smuggling to the Department of Internal Trade’s hotline 1569 or provincial commercial offices. The department promises to promptly investigate and take necessary legal actions to protect Thai farmers and ensure fairness in the market system.