Nonthaburi: Pol. Gen. Thatchai conducted surprise inspections of gas stations in Nonthaburi province to prevent hoarding and price gouging, and ordered strict daily inspections nationwide.
According to Thai News Agency, following Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's directive, police and local authorities were instructed to jointly investigate and prevent fuel hoarding or price gouging. Police General Kittirat Panpetch, the Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, delegated this task to Police General Thatchai Pitanilabutr, who serves as the Deputy Commissioner General and Director of the Fuel Crime Suppression Center, Royal Thai Police. The inspections were carried out in Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province, under the leadership of Police Major General Sathaporn Em-ot and local authorities, including the acting District Chief of Pak Kret.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai stated that he was tasked by the Commissioner General of Police to oversee the inspection of gas stations nationwide, focusing on those that are fully or partially closed or report fuel shortages. This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister's policy to ensure no illegal hoarding of fuel occurs.
During the inspections conducted with Pak Kret District officials, it was confirmed that all gas station registrations were up to date. Although diesel fuel was temporarily out of stock due to increased demand, gasoline supplies remained sufficient and of good quality, with no signs of adulteration.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai reiterated his directive for comprehensive inspections to be carried out by officers at all levels of the Center for Combating Fuel Hoarding, in collaboration with local administrative authorities. The aim is to prevent fuel hoarding and price gouging from impacting the public, with daily reporting and decisive legal actions against any violations.
The public has been urged to report any incidents of oil exports, hoarding, or price gouging to the Royal Thai Police hotline at 1599, which operates 24/7.