Thai authorities seize 100,000 litres of smuggled diesel linked to Malaysian firm

A Malaysian-owned logistics firm in Songkhla is under investigation after Thai authorities uncovered 100,000 litres of concealed diesel in underground tanks, detaining a local employee under the Fuel Control Act

Acting on a public tip-off, Thai authorities seized 100,000 litres of diesel hidden in underground tanks in Sadao, Songkhla, with investigators alleging the fuel was smuggled from Malaysia. - Pixabay pic, April 5, 2026

SONGKHLA – Thai authorities on Saturday seized 100,000 litres of diesel allegedly smuggled by a Malaysian-owned logistics company in Sadao, Songkhla, and detained a Thai employee to assist investigations.

Songkhla Governor Rattasart Chotchu said the raid followed a public tip-off that led to intelligence gathering and a joint operation involving police, military and local officials.

During the operation, officers uncovered diesel concealed in underground storage tanks belonging to the company.

“Investigations found that the company, which is owned by a Malaysian national, had concealed 100,000 litres of diesel without a valid licence,” Rattasart told Bernama.

He added that preliminary findings suggested the fuel was sourced from Malaysia and smuggled into Thailand.

Rattasart confirmed that Region 9 police had seized the diesel and detained the employee under the Fuel Control Act 1999 for possessing and concealing fuel without authorisation. – April 5, 2026