Rayong councillor arrested for siphoning diesel from fishing boats

Police in Rayong, Thailand, arrested a prominent municipal councillor and his workers for allegedly siphoning diesel fuel from fishing boats at a local port. The councillor denied all charges and requested bail to fight the case.

Special operations units in Rayong, in collaboration with local police, took action following complaints about illegal fuel sales to fishing boats. The incident happened at Baan Kon Puek Port in Pak Nam, Rayong City. The team, led by Rayong Governor Traiphop Wongtrairat and various high-ranking officials, arrived at the scene around 11am yesterday, October 7.

Upon arrival, the police discovered a fishing vessel docked at the port with several workers on board. The officials identified the 39 year old Rayong municipal councillor overseeing the operation.

They found workers using hoses to siphon diesel from the vessel, which had been modified to store large quantities of fuel. The diesel was being transferred into 20-litre containers on the pier.

The officials immediately detained the councillor and his workers. A thorough inspection of the boat revealed a large tank hidden beneath the deck containing 3,000 litres of diesel. The team seized the fishing boat, a diesel pump, a 10-metre hose, and CCTV footage as evidence. The fishing vessel measured seven wa, a traditional Thai unit equivalent to approximately 14 metres.

Thanyathep Amaritsathaworn, a local administrative officer, stated that the operation was part of Rayong Governor Traiphop Wongtrairat’s policy to crack down on illegal fuel trading in the province. Police had been monitoring the port following reports of illegal fuel being transported from the open sea to be sold to fishing boats. Further investigations confirmed the illegal fuel trade, leading to the raid.

Police discovered that the diesel was not only being sold to other fishing boats but also to 10-wheel trucks. The officials coordinated with the Rayong branch of the Excise Department and the Regional Marine Office to inspect the fishing vessel further. The councillor, who owned the port, and the boat’s captain were taken to Rayong City Police Station for questioning, reported KhaoSod.

The councillor faces charges of smuggling fuel into the kingdom, concealing and distributing contraband, and handling goods that had not cleared customs. He has denied all accusations and has applied for bail, intending to contest the charges in court.