Navy Seizes Illegal Fuel Tanker in Gulf of Thailand

Chachoengsao — The Royal Thai Navy Region 1 has intercepted the fuel tanker Risky Nam Choke 89 in the upper Gulf of Thailand, seizing approximately 60,000 liters of diesel fuel being transported illegally to evade taxes. The vessel and crew have been transferred to Sattahip Police Station for prosecution.

On August 12, 2025 at 12:59 p.m., Navy Patrol Craft 115 from the Royal Thai Navy Region 1 Operations Center conducted routine patrols in the upper Gulf of Thailand and discovered the fishing vessel Risky Nam Choke 89 anchored near Phetchaburi Province. The vessel exhibited characteristics inconsistent with typical fishing boats and aroused suspicion.

Authorities exercised powers under the 1947 Naval Maritime Offense Suppression Act to conduct a search. Inspections revealed the vessel lacked proper vessel registration documents and operating licenses, and the captain and crew possessed no work permits. A thorough search of the cargo hold uncovered approximately 60,000 liters of diesel fuel with no documentation of origin or proof of tax payment.

Officers detained the vessel and all crew members, bringing them to Laem Tien Pier at the Naval Operations Command in Sattahip District, Chachoengsao Province for detailed investigation. The case was coordinated with relevant agencies including the Revenue Department, the Regional Port Authority, and the Naval Police Station 3.

Representatives from the Maritime Strategic Command Region 1, the Revenue Department, the Regional Port Authority's Pattaya branch, and Sattahip Provincial Police jointly announced the arrest results and transferred the suspects to Sattahip Police Station for legal proceedings.

The Royal Thai Navy Region 1, the Maritime Strategic Command Region 1, and partner agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to systematically and decisively eliminate illegal fuel transport operations that evade taxes, in order to fully protect Thailand's maritime interests.