Bangkok: Investigations are underway into nine shipping companies suspected of suspicious oil shipments to Surat Thani, with the Maritime Security Command expected to provide information. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has completed its investigation into these companies, which are suspected of irregularities in 20 oil shipments to Surat Thani province. The companies have cited "hydrographical problems" and "ship malfunctions" as reasons for delays. The DSI is preparing to invite the Maritime Security Command (MSC) to provide technical information to address these "delaying tactics" and "hoarding" issues.
According to Thai News Agency, the DSI has summoned eight companies that own oil tankers as witnesses. They later discovered a ninth company, which is a leasing company rather than a ship owner. This discovery follows irregularities in 20 voyages involving 12 vessels that received oil from refineries in the eastern region. Approximately 57-60 million liters of oil are believed to have gone missing off the coast of Surat Thani province. The investigation is focused on allegations of illegal oil hoarding, delayed transportation, stockpiling, and refusal to sell fuel, all under the Price Control Act of 1999. The DSI is required to respond by April 30, 2026.
Pol. Lt. Col. Woranan Srilam, Director of the Consumer Protection Division at the DSI, and head of the special investigation team for case number 59/2569, revealed the progress of the case. He stated that representatives from all nine shipping companies have met with investigators for questioning. The investigation revealed two models for hiring shipping companies: one where the originating company, an oil refinery, manages both the originating and destination oil depot, and another where the destination company is different and arranges its own vessels or requests the refinery to provide them.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Woranan disclosed that the shipping companies' testimonies indicated three possible scenarios for longer-than-normal sailing times. These include issues related to hydrography, waterways, and tides; reports of ship breakdowns requiring repairs before docking; and situations where other vessels are still anchored awaiting refueling. The Maritime Security Command (MSC) has submitted a navigation analysis report to the investigating team.
Investigators will now compare the data from the interviews with the report submitted by the MSC. This may involve traveling to the MSC office to request details of the technical equipment, particularly concerning the unusually long sailing times. The decision to summon additional agencies will depend on the conclusions reached for each issue.
Pol. Lt. Col. Woranan also mentioned the case of Ms. Thitiphas Chotdechachainant, former Bangkok MP and chair of the Intensive Investigation Committee for Energy Reform, along with her legal team, who submitted 166 documents detailing irregularities in fuel oil shipments by sea in March 2026. The authorities are investigating whether this case falls under the resolution to be accepted as a special case or if it should be forwarded to the Royal Thai Police.
Regarding Special Case No. 66/2569, concerning the adulteration of fuel in Ang Thong Province, the Director-General of the DSI has assigned Pol. Lt. Col. Nirut Pattanarat to head the investigation team, which is currently gathering evidence.