Royal Thai Navy Seizes Fishing Vessel Carrying More than 60,000 Litres of Untaxed Diesel in Gulf of Thailand Near Pattaya
CHONBURI, Thailand – The First Naval Area Command intercepted a fishing vessel loaded with more than 60,000 litres of diesel oil suspected of tax evasion in the Gulf of Thailand, officials announced on Friday.
Rear Admiral Chalermchai Suankaew, Commander of the First Naval Area Command and Director of the Maritime National Interest Protection Center Region 1 (MNIPC Region 1), detailed the operation during a press briefing on 14 August 2026. The action forms part of ongoing efforts by the Royal Thai Navy and MNIPC to combat illegal maritime activities.
On the 12th of August 2026 at 12:59, the vessel Tor.115 from the First Naval Area Operations Center was conducting a routine patrol in the upper Gulf of Thailand when it spotted the fishing boat Riski Nam Chok 89 anchored off the coast. The vessel’s appearance raised suspicions as it differed from typical fishing boats.
Acting under the Act Empowering the Navy to Suppress Maritime Offenses B.E. 2490 (1947), officers boarded and searched the boat. They found no ship registration documents or operating permits. The unidentified foreign master and crew also lacked work permits. In the hold, authorities discovered approximately 60,000 litres of diesel with no documentation proving its origin or payment of taxes.
The vessel and all crew members were escorted to Laem Thian Pier at the Fleet Headquarters in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, for further inspection. Officials worked jointly with the Excise Department, the Regional Marine Office, and Marine Police Station 3 (under Investigation Division 5 of the Marine Police Division).
On 13 August 2026, representatives from MNIPC Region 1, the Excise Department, Regional Marine Office 6 (Pattaya Branch), and Sattahip Police Station jointly summarised the case. The suspects were handed over to investigators at Sattahip Police Station for legal proceedings.
The First Naval Area Command, MNIPC Region 1, and partner agencies reaffirmed their commitment to rigorously suppress vessels engaged in the smuggling of tax-evading oil, stating they will continue decisive measures to safeguard Thailand’s maritime national interests.
Reported by Nirat / Nanthaphon Thipsri, Chonburi
