Bangkok: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is preparing to propose that the oil hoarding case be classified as a special case, based on violations of the Goods and Services Act of 1999.
According to Thai News Agency, the Director-General of the DSI recently held a meeting with officers to outline the investigative framework and responsibilities concerning the oil hoarding case. The meeting also defined the scope of the War Room, which will be utilized to monitor oil storage facilities in cooperation with partner agencies.
Following a directive by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the DSI, along with partner agencies, conducted inspections at six oil depots in Surat Thani province. These inspections revealed evidence of oil stockpiling, pointing to irregularities in oil dispensing. The findings suggest that oil was hoarded for speculative purposes, particularly in March when the oil fund compensation rate was lowered. The preliminary investigation indicates that the actions violate the Goods and Services Act of 1999, as the fuel received into the depots exceeded the amount sold.
Hoarding petroleum products or delaying sales without reasonable cause, particularly in large storage facilities, poses threats to national security and public order. This is considered an offense under the current regulations. The Provincial Commerce Office has the option to either file a complaint with the Surat Thani Provincial Police or directly with the DSI. If the complaint is initially filed with the police, the DSI can assume responsibility for the case once it is accepted as a special case.
The initial charge under the Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542 (1999) requires submission to the Special Cases Committee (SCC) board since the DSI Director-General cannot directly handle it. Once the case is presented to the SCC board, members will determine which aspects should be investigated as a special case. If approved, a special investigation team will be appointed, possibly including officers from other agencies. The DSI is currently gathering all necessary information from relevant agencies and expects to submit the case to the SCC board for approval sometime next week.