Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Ministry Spokesperson is urgently verifying reports concerning fuel exports through the Chong Mek (ช่องเม็ก) border checkpoint in Sirindhorn (สิรินธร) District, Ubon Ratchathani (อุบลราชธานี), to the Lao PDR, amid concerns that such shipments could be diverted onward to Cambodia.
The Ministry, through the Department of Energy Business, is conducting a comprehensive fact-check, including a comparison of historical and current export volumes, as well as a detailed review of export routes. All fuel traders have been instructed to strictly comply with existing measures prohibiting fuel exports at checkpoints along the Thailand–Lao PDR border where there is a risk of onward transfer to third countries.
Regarding images circulating of fuel transport vehicles halted near border areas, this situation is a direct result of intensified export control measures. Authorities are closely managing the situation and coordinating with fuel traders to verify transportation routes, emphasizing that fuel shipments must be delivered exclusively to their designated destinations within the Lao PDR.
In addition to land-based controls, the Department of Energy Business has strengthened monitoring of fuel exports by sea to ensure that restrictions are enforced across all possible channels. The Ministry will continue to implement these measures in line with national security policies to maintain peace and safeguard the safety of the Thai people.
The Ministry has long maintained strict oversight of fuel exports by both land and sea, and has further tightened controls at checkpoints along the Thailand–Lao PDR border to prevent any unusually large export volumes. The Department will also serve as a coordinating body among fuel traders to ensure full compliance with preventive measures implemented by the relevant security authorities, with national interest and public safety as the highest priorities.
EN
CN
DE
JP
TH
