Bangkok: The government is cracking down on oil smuggling. The Excise Department has launched the e-Seal system to strictly control oil trucks, combat smuggling, and ensure transparency in line with international standards. It will be implemented starting September 1.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, revealed that the government is moving towards a fully digital government. Recently, the Excise Department, Ministry of Finance, launched a system to control and track oil transport using electronic seals (e-Seal) for oil transport vehicles exported outside the Kingdom.
The e-Seal system uses GPS technology to control the opening and closing of seals and track routes in real time, and alerts users if abnormalities such as deviating from the route, stopping beyond normal hours, or accidents occur. This helps prevent the smuggling of tax-exempt fuel back into the country for sale.
Over 9,000 oil tanker truck trips have been piloted, with cooperation from several companies and oil depots. The trial results were smooth, and the Excise Department is preparing to implement it fully from September 1, 2025 onwards.
This new system also facilitates faster and more accurate inspections at destination ports, as information is transmitted directly to officials. This reduces traditional clearance procedures and elevates the country's oil export supervision standards to be more stringent, transparent, and in line with international standards.
"The government would like to assure the public that these measures represent another important step in preventing corruption, enhancing transparency, and building confidence in Thailand's tax system, leading to a modern and fair digital government," said Ms. Sasikarn.