PTT ready to halt fuel exports to Myanmar border
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Phyo (NP News) - Feb 9
Recent reports stated that the PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR), the largest oil trader in Thailand, is preparing to halt refined oil exports to Myanmar. This move aligns with the Thai government’s policy to address criminal gangs operating near the Thailand-Myanmar border.
Racha Uthaichan, OR's executive vice-president for international business, stated that the company is prepared to comply with the Thai government's crackdown and is awaiting an official directive from the National Security Council (NSC) to stop oil exports through five border checkpoints.
PTT is currently exporting between 15 to 20 million liters of gasoline and diesel monthly to Myanmar. The company's customers are reselling the fuel at gas stations in Myawaddy, Tachileik, Myeik and Kawthaung.
The fuel is being transported from a border gate near the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot district, Thailand, to Myanmar.
According to reports, Mr. Racha stated that trucks carrying oil supplies had already left an oil depot and route to the bridge before the NSC approved the resolution. However, the trucks are currently unable to pass the checkpoint in Mae Sot district.
On February 4, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that fuel and electricity supplies would be immediately cut off to online scam centers operating on the Myanmar side of the border.
Following this, on the morning of February 5, electricity was cut off in five locations, including Myawaddy, Tachileik, and Payathonzu.
It is widely believed that Thailand is cooperating in the joint crackdown on the online scam centers operating in the Thailand- Myanmar border. However, online scam activities are ongoing in the region.