Malaysian vessel seized off Satun near Koh Lipe

Thai Customs officers have arrested seven people after intercepting a Malaysian-flagged modified fishing vessel allegedly transferring diesel to a Thai trawler in waters off Satun, near Koh Lipe.

The vessels and diesel seized in the operation were valued at an estimated 7-8 million baht. Authorities said the case involved suspected fuel smuggling from Malaysia and illegal entry offences.

Patrol finds fuel transfer near island waters

The operation took place at 1am on 23 July, when officers were patrolling near Koh Klang, between Koh Tarutao and Koh Adang and Koh Lipe. The area falls within Moo 7, Koh Sarai subdistrict, Mueang Satun district.

The patrol was led by Ratchaphon Chunkornburi, head of the Satun-Pak Bara Investigation and Suppression Unit of the Customs Department. He was joined by Worakan Burichai, head of the "Thaksin 10" team from Regional Customs Office 4, and Satun Customs House chief Wallop Chuairaksa.

Customs patrol boats 807 and 371 were deployed to prevent the suspected smuggling of untaxed fuel from Malaysia into Thailand.

Officers said they found a modified Malaysian fishing vessel transferring diesel to a Thai trawler. They then moved in and made arrests.

Seven people detained in operation

Three people were detained on the Thai fishing boat, including its captain, 64-year-old Mr Chad. He is from Wang Mai subdistrict in Phatthalung's Pa Bon district, and was arrested with two crew members.

On the Malaysian vessel, officers arrested its captain, 27-year-old Mr Apin, whose surname was also withheld, along with three Malaysian crew members.

During questioning, Mr Apin reportedly told officers that the vessel belonged to an employer in Penang, Malaysia. He said he had been instructed to deliver diesel in the Andaman Sea.

The boat had carried 10,000 litres of diesel, of which around 4,500 litres had already been transferred and sold to Thai fishing vessels, according to Customs.

Diesel priced at 16.50 baht a litre in Malaysia

Authorities said the Malaysian diesel had a price of 16.50 baht per litre. Mr Apin said he did not know the resale price, as payment arrangements had been made between the boat owner and his Malaysian employer.

The boats and remaining diesel were seized as evidence. The suspects will face action under the Customs Act and for illegal entry, officials said.

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

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24 July 2026