Illegal Gas Shop Busted For Selling Expired Tanks
Police shut down an unlicensed gas shop in Samut Sakhon that was illegally refurbishing and reselling expired cylinders by repainting them, risking explosions in nearby residential areas. Authorities seized 538 cylinders and charged the 20-
On July 5, 2025, police inspected an unauthorized cooking gas retailer in Krathumbaen District, Samut Sakhon Province, following reports that the shop was operating without a license and refurbishing expired gas cylinders by repainting them before resale. Inspectors discovered 538 gas cylinders—both empty and filled—valued at approximately 413,730 baht, including 38 expired units. The shop owner, who had operated for over 20 years, admitted to personally repairing damaged or old cylinders, sanding rust, and applying new paint without sending them for professional inspection and safety certification from authorized manufacturers.
Beyond the refurbishing practice, authorities found the shop lacked proper business licensing for a Class 3 controlled facility (cooking gas storage and retail location) and had no safety systems or fire prevention measures meeting standards. Cooking gas is a highly flammable, high-pressure substance; any leakage combined with an ignition source could cause severe fires or explosions, particularly dangerous given the shop's proximity to residential areas.
Officials stressed that reselling expired or improperly repaired cylinders without certification poses extreme risk. Cylinder structures deteriorate from use, rust, and corrosion, losing their ability to safely contain gas pressure. Exposure to heat or leakage could trigger explosions, causing widespread harm to lives and property.
While LPG is commonly used in homes, restaurants, and small businesses and is safe when properly filled, stored, and used, non-standard cylinders with uncertified modifications present serious dangers. All cylinders were seized for inspection, and criminal proceedings were initiated. Authorities urged the public to buy cooking gas only from licensed retailers, inspect cylinders for corrosion or damage before use, and report suspicious shops immediately.
The shop owner faces charges for operating a Class 3 controlled facility without authorization under the Fuel Oil Control Act 1985 (up to 2 years imprisonment and/or 200,000 baht fine) and for using non-standard gas cylinders under the Fuel Oil Control Act and Energy Ministry regulations (up to 1 year imprisonment and/or 100,000 baht fine).
