Bangkok: The Prime Minister angrily lashed out at the smuggling of oil into Cambodia. Anutin Charnvirakul vehemently condemned the smuggling of oil to Cambodia, ordering a joint operation involving police, military, and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to intensify efforts to apprehend and suppress the operation. Initial findings indicate the smuggling is operating under the guise of a company. The Minister of Justice is scheduled to report on the progress this afternoon.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, when asked whether he had received reports about the smuggling of oil to Cambodia, stated that they have established a unit to hunt down those hoarding, especially those taking advantage of the situation by raising prices and smuggling oil for resale.
The Prime Minister confirmed that while such groups exist, they are not numerous, and security agencies are handling the situation well. Legal action will be taken against those who pose a threat to national security. Regarding whether the identities of those behind the oil smuggling operation to Cambodia are known, Mr. Anutin stated that authorities have been dispatched to arrest, suppress, and prosecute them.
When pressed by reporters about the identity of the mastermind, Mr. Anutin stated that it was a corporate operation and that Justice Minister Pol. Gen. Ruddhaphol Naowarat would be reporting to him this afternoon. He added that they had coordinated efforts involving the police, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and the military.
Regarding the charge of smuggling oil to Cambodia, the Prime Minister immediately replied, "Yes, it is bad." When pressed on whether such an action would be considered "selling out the nation," Mr. Anutin nodded in agreement.
Regarding the quantity of smuggled oil, the Prime Minister stated that he needed to review the details first, as the figures for oil quantities in each area need to be adjusted and verified for accuracy. He emphasized that any action taken must be based on a thorough review of the figures, not on information from only one side, to avoid making incorrect decisions. He stressed that figures are referenced from various agencies and must be consistent. The Prime Minister requested that no further detailed questions be asked at this time.