Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has ordered a nationwide crackdown on the hoarding and illegal export of fuel, tasking the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) with tightening oversight across the entire supply chain. The move aims to safeguard the country’s energy stability and economic security while reassuring the public. Get today's headlines by email The directive follows a high-level meeting between the Prime Minister, in his capacity as ISOC director, the Army Commander-in-Chief as deputy director, and the Army Chief of Staff as ISOC secretary-general. Discussions focused on tackling fuel stockpiling and smuggling activities that risk disrupting domestic supply and pricing. ISOC has been instructed to coordinate closely with relevant agencies to monitor fuel operations from origin to end use. Authorities will examine production, transport and retail systems to prevent irregularities, illegal diversion, or cross-border smuggling. At the upstream level, ISOC’s Operations Coordination Centre 4, responsible for energy security, will oversee oil refinery output and management. Its role includes ensuring compliance with laws and detecting any abnormal removal of fuel from the system. For midstream operations, ISOC provincial units and regional divisions, particularly those aligned with border security forces, will monitor transportation routes and distribution networks. Special attention will be given to high-risk border areas to deter illegal exports. At the downstream level, joint inspection teams will conduct random checks at petrol stations nationwide. These inspections will focus on sales volumes, potential stockpiling and any activities that may violate regulations. The government said the measures align with its policy to maintain national energy stability, prevent exploitation of consumers, and improve transparency in the fuel trade. Officials emphasised that coordinated enforcement is essential to maintaining confidence in the system. The directive signals a broader tightening of controls amid concerns over supply imbalances and illicit trade. Increased monitoring could affect operators across the fuel supply chain, particularly in border regions. Thaitabloid reported that authorities are expected to roll out inspections and enforcement actions immediately, with ISOC working alongside multiple agencies to ensure compliance. The government reiterated that sustained oversight will be key to delivering long-term stability and public trust. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 28 Mar 2026
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