Ranong: Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urgently flew to Ranong province following a tip-off about a warehouse storing smuggled goods from Myanmar, valued at 50 million baht. The minister revealed that a mysterious caller, who claimed to have connections with high-ranking officials, attempted to disrupt the operation by demanding that the arrest be dropped. He praised the military and police forces for their steadfastness, noting that no higher authority could intervene with the Prime Minister present, adding, "They won't escape our grasp."
According to Thai News Agency, at 3:30 PM, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul made an urgent visit to Ranong Province after a stop in Phuket. The Southern Thailand Security and Counter-Terrorism Division received information from local residents about untaxed goods being smuggled by foreign nationals from Myanmar. In response, the Prime Minister coordinated with military personnel from the 25th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, and Ranong City Police Station investigators to seize goods from a warehouse owned by 168 Transport Logistics Co., Ltd., located in Bang Rin Subdistrict, Mueang Ranong District. The initial inspection revealed goods such as electrical appliances, large power generation equipment, and a variety of air conditioners, all valued at over 50 million baht. The items were seized, and relevant agencies were contacted to further investigate their origin.
The Prime Minister expressed shock upon discovering the illegal warehouse during his visit. He emphasized the government's commitment to tackling illegal activities, noting the stockpiling of smuggled, tax-evading goods. Customs officials, collaborating with military and police personnel, found no taxes had been paid on the goods, which were declared as transit items. If not moved within 30 days, these become state property. An investigation is ongoing to confirm tax payment status, and businesses are allowed to present proof of tax compliance. If evidence is lacking, legal actions will follow, tracing the source and network involved.
The Prime Minister revealed that a mysterious call was received, purportedly from influential figures, urging the military to abandon the operation. The call, traced to Myanmar, was made by someone impersonating influential individuals. The Prime Minister commended the military and police for their response, noting that the caller, a village headman, held no actual power over them.
The Prime Minister, accompanied by key officials from the region, assured that the crackdown on illegal activities would continue. He emphasized that if goods were not properly taxed, they would be confiscated and potentially auctioned or used for official purposes. In response to concerns about national security, the Prime Minister confirmed that the goods posed no threat, as they were mostly ordinary consumer items like water pumps and air conditioners. He stated, "If the owners cannot prove anything after customs procedures, the goods will be auctioned off or used for official purposes."