DSI Completes Interrogation of 9 Shipping Companies Over 20 Suspicious Oil Tanker Trips to Surat Thani
The DSI interrogated nine shipping companies over 20 suspicious oil tanker trips to Surat Thani, with approximately 57-60 million liters of oil unaccounted for at sea. Investigators are cross-referencing company statements with maritime tra
On May 3, 2025, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) summoned eight oil tanker shipping companies as witnesses and identified one additional leasing company, bringing the total to nine firms. The investigation followed discovery of irregularities in 20 vessel trips from 12 ships that loaded oil from Eastern Thailand refineries, with approximately 57-60 million liters of oil found missing at sea off Surat Thani. Violations are suspected under the Price of Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542, with allegations including illegal oil hoarding, transport delays, and refusal to distribute fuel.
Lieutenant Colonel Woranan Srilam, head of the Consumer Protection Division at DSI and chief investigator of Case No. 59/2569, revealed that representatives from all nine shipping companies have been interrogated. Two hiring patterns emerged: one where the refinery provides vessels according to transport plans, and another where destination companies arrange their own vessels or request the refinery to provide them.
Delays in vessel transit times were attributed to three factors: hydrographic conditions affecting channel depths and tides preventing scheduled docking; vessel repairs following breakdown reports that sometimes coincided with tidal issues; and situations where other vessels remained anchored during oil transfer operations or when oil remained in storage tanks, preventing cargo discharge. The Maritime State Command Center has submitted a vessel navigation analysis report to the investigation team.
Investigators will now cross-reference company statements with the Maritime Command Center's technical equipment details regarding transit delays, expected within the week. Separately, Thitiphat Chotidechachai, former Bangkok MP and chair of the Intensive Energy Reform Inspection Committee (Team Chudsoi), submitted 166 irregular fuel transport documents from March 2025 that do not comply with Energy Department announcements. These documents involved oil storage companies from Rayong and Chachoengsao shipping to Surat Thani, Chumphon, and Songkhla. The matter is under review to determine if it qualifies as a special case or should be referred to the Royal Thai Police.
Separately, DSI Case No. 66/2569 concerning fuel adulteration in Ang Thong Province is being handled by Colonel Niruit Pattanarat, the DSI's special case expert, who is currently gathering witnesses and evidence.
