Chinese Truck Caught Operating Off Authorized Route
A Chinese refrigerated truck was fined and ordered back to its approved route after being caught unloading durian in Chumphon's Lang Suan District, far from its authorized corridor to Chanthaburi Province.
The Department of Land Transport reported progress on July 8, 2569 (2026) regarding a Chinese container truck operating outside approved cross-border transport routes. The Chumphon Provincial Transport Office, working with police from Lang Suan Station and highway patrol, apprehended the Chinese Scania truck with a refrigerated container unloading durian in Lang Suan District, Chumphon. The vehicle was found to have violated regulations by deviating from its authorized route. The Chinese driver admitted following GPS coordinates provided by the shipping company. Officials processed the case with a fine and ordered the truck to return to its approved route immediately.
Sopphong Paithoonpong, director of the Department of Land Transport, explained that the truck had entered Thailand via the Chiang Khong checkpoint in Chiang Rai on June 27, 2569 with its final destination listed as Chanthaburi Province. However, it was discovered operating in Lang Suan, Chumphon—well outside its authorized corridor. The driver confessed to following GPS instructions from the shipping company.
The department stated that authorized cross-border transport trucks under the GMS (Greater Mekong Subregion) agreement involving six countries—Cambodia, Laos, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam—may only operate on nine designated major routes. Unauthorized southbound routes to southern Thailand violate the bilateral understanding. Foreign transport vehicles can enter Thailand through six border checkpoints: Chiang Khong, Nong Khai, Mukdahan, Aranyaprathet, Nong Eien, and Had Lek, with nine authorized corridors specified for cross-border movement.