Investigated Fuel Disappearance: Defense Minister Calls for Explanations on Vanishing 10,000 Liters of Fuel
In a recent development, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai addressed the media concerning the disappearance of approximately 10,000 litres of military fuel. This incident came to light after a purchase order for 9,000 litres of fuel was signed by a colonel, who is the Director of the Fuel Division, from a private supplier. However, it remains unclear which branch of the military was involved.
The unit in question, based in Bangkok, is responsible for procuring essential supplies, including fuel, for other military units. The purchase order was for gasohol 95 and 91, with a delivery requested for November 10, 2023. Several red flags were raised, including the fact that the signatory of the purchase order was the head of the Science Division, not the Fuel Division.
While there is no available information about the disappearance of the remaining 1,000 litres or explanations related to large-scale evaporation in such an incident, reasonable explanations based on general chemical and storage principles include imperfect sealing or vapor leakages, temperature fluctuations, tank design and venting, fuel evaporation characteristics, and measurement errors or accounting discrepancies.
However, a 10,000 litre loss solely due to evaporation from well-sealed tanks would be highly unusual and would likely indicate a sealing failure or procedural error, since large-scale evaporation from sealed tanks alone is uncommon within a short time frame.
In the absence of direct investigation reports, other plausible factors such as theft, mismanagement, or unauthorized usage should also be considered alongside the evaporation theory in explaining large-scale fuel disappearance from military storage.
The current geopolitical context in Thailand in 2025 includes increased border tensions with Cambodia and security concerns, but no linked information to fuel disappearance or industrial/storage accidents in the public domain from the cited sources. No mention of fuel storage or evaporation issues is present in regional security or infrastructure reports.
Phumtham addressed the media on May 23, 2025, stating that similar incidents had occurred in the past and stressing the importance of transparency and accountability to prevent future occurrences. He did not provide further details about the ongoing investigation.
- The investigation into the missing military fuel has raised concerns about potential mismanagement or theft within policy-and-legislation regarding the military's purchasing and procurement of essential supplies.
- Given the unusual nature of a 10,000 litre fuel loss, general news outlets are reporting that business practices and accountability should be scrutinized in relation to this incident.
- Amidst increasing border tensions and security concerns, crime-and-justice reporters are keeping a close eye on the unfolding investigation of the missing fuel, as the incident could have potential implications for politics and national security.
