Bangkok: The Prime Minister has directed the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) to focus efforts on combating the hoarding and smuggling of oil. This directive comes as part of a broader initiative to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the oil supply chain, spanning from production to distribution, with the goal of restoring public trust.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as the Director of ISOC, engaged in discussions with the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army and the Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army. These discussions centered on strategies to tackle the illegal hoarding and smuggling of oil, issues that are impacting Thailand's energy stability and economic health.
Subsequent to these discussions, the Director-General of ISOC instructed the command to collaborate with relevant agencies in monitoring and inspecting the entire fuel supply system. This includes oversight from the source of oil production to its distribution and final destination, aiming to prevent illegal activities such as hoarding and smuggling.
The implementation plan consists of several key measures:
1. At the source, particularly at oil refineries, the Coordinating Center for Operations 4 of ISOC is tasked with ensuring legal compliance and preventing any irregular outflow of oil.
2. For transportation and distribution, ISOC units at the provincial level, along with regional commands near border areas, are responsible for overseeing routes to prevent cross-border smuggling.
3. At gas stations, Provincial ISOC teams will perform random inspections to detect any illegal sales, hoarding, or other activities.
This initiative aligns with the government's policy to uphold energy stability, protect the public from exploitation, and ensure transparency in the energy market. ISOC has committed to working closely with all relevant sectors to enhance regulatory effectiveness and bolster public confidence across the nation.