Naval Command Seizes Vessel Smuggling 20,000 Litres of Diesel

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

The Royal Thai Navy’s Second Naval Area Command has intercepted and seized a vessel smuggling untaxed diesel fuel in the waters off Songkhla province.

Vice Admiral Nares Wongtrakoon, Commander of the Second Naval Area and Director of the Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 2 (MECC Region 2), announced the arrest at Songkhla Naval Base on 14 August.

The operation took place the previous day, when patrol vessel Tor.995, supported by a special operations unit from the Second Naval Area, tracked and intercepted the Krasaesin Donsak. The ship was spotted east of Ranot district’s shoreline, allegedly engaging in the illegal sale of diesel without customs clearance.

The vessel had been modified for fuel transport and was found carrying 20,000 litres of diesel in its hold. Four crew members were on board. The ship and crew were escorted to Songkhla Naval Base for legal proceedings.

Naval officials reaffirmed their commitment to the Navy Commander’s 2025 operational policy, focusing on protecting Thailand’s maritime interests, countering sea-based threats and assisting local communities. They stressed that such efforts aim to ensure the nation’s marine resources and economic benefits remain in Thai hands for the long term.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-08-16