Thailand cracks down on illegal oil trade

Thailand’s government continues to battle against illicit oil trade, seizing 6.7 million tons of oil during the first seven months of this year. Deputy Finance Minister Pruttichai Damrongrat disclosed that the Excise Department has co-operated with four other agencies including the Customs Department, the Energy Business Department, the Energy Policy and Planning Office, and the National Police Bureau to suppress illegal actions against petroleum trading. The issue will be submitted to the Cabinet for endorsement soon. (September 29, 2009)