Acting on a tip-off, a marine police task force comprising 11 officers this morning intercepted the Sin Somboon 2 fishing boat about 300 metres west of Mai Thon island, off Phuket's southeast coast (in Vichit sub district).
After questioning the boat's skipper, Mr Manoon Muang-ngam of Trang, officers learned that the boat was indeed carrying illegal contraband: 500 litres of untaxed “dieseline” fuel, known in Thai as “green oil” or naam mun khieo.
The boat and fuel were seized and Mr Manoon was charged with using the vessel for a purpose other than that stated on the boat's permit, a charge which carries a fine of B10,000.
Moreover, Mr Manoon was slapped with a charge for not being able to present a skipper's license on board the vessel, an additional B5,000 offence.