BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation reported a rise to 99 suspicious offshore oil transfer voyages as it pursued a case of missing oil.
DSI reports 99 suspicious voyages
The Department of Special Investigation said it had identified further irregularities in voyages by ships transferring oil in the open sea. According to the agency, these transfers took place away from ports while vessels were at sea.
Investigators stated that the number of voyages classified as suspicious had increased to 99 in total. The finding formed part of a broader review of ship movements and activities linked to oil handling.
Investigation into “disappeared oil”
The new indications were connected to an ongoing investigation into oil that had allegedly disappeared. The DSI said it was working to clarify the case quickly and to determine the background to the missing quantities.
Officials focused on establishing how the discrepancies arose and whether specific operational patterns at sea played a role. The case remained open, with investigators gathering and comparing additional data.
Offshore transfers seen as risk factor
Transfers on the open sea were regarded in investigations as particularly sensitive because they could occur outside direct port supervision. Such operations were therefore often examined more closely than standard cargo handling within harbours.
In these situations, authorities typically reviewed routes, timings and documentation to detect possible discrepancies between declared cargo and the papers presented. Any inconsistencies could signal unlawful diversions or undeclared transfers.
Why the number of voyages matters
The rise in the number of conspicuous voyages could indicate a larger pattern or recurring procedures, according to investigators. A growing data set allowed analysts to look for repeat behaviours over time.
Such information could help identify specific ships, their operators or frequently used meeting points at sea. This, in turn, might narrow down the circle of potential actors involved in the irregular oil movements.
Next steps for authorities
According to the DSI, the case continued to be investigated intensively in order to clarify the cause of the oil loss and identify any responsible parties. Officials planned to keep scrutinising both current and past transfer records.
The suspicious offshore transfers remained at the centre of the probe, along with the question of whether these operations were directly linked to the disappearance of the oil. Further conclusions were expected only after a detailed evaluation of the accumulated evidence.
Public debate on tighter controls
The developments also raised questions about how Thailand should tighten control of oil transfers at sea without unnecessarily hindering legal shipping traffic. Balancing oversight with commercial efficiency was seen as a key concern.
Public discussion focused on which measures might be effective and proportionate, and whether the 99 voyages pointed to a systematic problem. Observers were encouraged to consider how monitoring could be strengthened while legitimate maritime business continued to operate smoothly.