CIB and PTT Collaborate to Raid Illegal LPG Gas Cylinder Facilities

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of CIB

 

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with PTT Oil and Retail Business (PTTOR), conducted a major raid targeting illegal LPG gas cylinder refilling and counterfeit operations in Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces. The operation, executed under warrants issued by the Intellectual Property and International Trade Court, uncovered equipment and counterfeit gas cylinders valued at over 4.2 million baht.

 

The operation was led by senior officers including Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridej, Commissioner of the CIB, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Sopon Saraphat, Deputy Commissioner of the CIB, with the support of multiple units and PTTOR representatives. The investigation followed complaints from Mr. Somkiat Siripaiboon, an authorised representative of PTTOR, reporting unauthorised facilities misusing PTT’s trademarks to deceive consumers.

 

The investigation revealed two key sites:

 

1. Khon Kaen (Mueang District):

A facility operating under a company identified as “TH” was found to possess:

 

• 42 counterfeit PTT-branded gas cylinders.

• 630 authentic PTT cylinders used without authorisation.

• 47 cylinders with counterfeit Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) markings.

 

Additionally, behind this facility, police discovered machinery capable of producing counterfeit gas cylinders, including 38 machines and 8,375 components.

 

2. Nakhon Ratchasima (Non Sung District):

Another site operated by the same company was found to have:

 

• 311 expired gas cylinders.

• 550 unexpired but unauthorised cylinders.

• 3 counterfeit PTT cylinders.

• 121 cylinder seals and other tools used for illegal refilling.

 

A total of 1,583 gas cylinders, including expired and counterfeit units, were seized across the two locations. The facilities were not authorised representatives of PTTOR but instead posed as distributors of other gas companies, misleading the public.

 

If found guilty, the operators may face charges under the following laws:

 

Trademark Act, B.E. 2534 (1991):

• Counterfeiting trademarks: Up to 4 years imprisonment or a fine of 400,000 baht.

 

Fuel Control Act, B.E. 2542 (1999):

• Unauthorized handling of LPG cylinders: Up to 1 year imprisonment or a fine of 100,000 baht.

 

Consumer Protection Act, B.E. 2522 (1979):

• Misleading advertising: Up to 6 months imprisonment or a fine of 50,000 baht.

 

Industrial Product Standards Act, B.E. 2511 (1968):

• Producing substandard industrial products: Up to 2 years imprisonment or a fine of 2,000,000 baht.

 

Authorities warn consumers to be vigilant when purchasing LPG gas cylinders. Counterfeit or expired cylinders pose significant risks, including potential explosions and gas leaks.

 

PTTOR has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumer safety and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Legal action is being pursued against the offenders to safeguard the public and uphold the integrity of the gas distribution system.

 

-- 2024-12-04

 

 

[Geoffggi]

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

If found guilty, the operators may face charges under the following laws:

Only may face charges? there should be no doubt about it 

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

1. Khon Kaen (Mueang District):

A facility operating under a company identified as “TH” was found to possess:

 

• 42 counterfeit PTT-branded gas cylinders.

• 630 authentic PTT cylinders used without authorisation.

• 47 cylinders with counterfeit Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) markings.

 

Additionally, behind this facility, police discovered machinery capable of producing counterfeit gas cylinders, including 38 machines and 8,375 components.

Quite the enterprise...