Thai PM Leads Raid on Myanmar Businessman’s Warehouse Holding Smuggled Goods Worth Over 50 Million Baht

Thai media reported that the Prime Minister of Thailand personally led a raid on a warehouse in Ranong containing tax-evading goods worth more than 50 million baht allegedly owned by a Myanmar businessman.

The operation took place on May 10, when Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul personally inspected and oversaw the seizure of the smuggled goods.

According to reports, security forces, police, and military personnel raided an unidentified warehouse operated by “168 Transport Logistics Co., Ltd” located along Highway 4080 in Bang Rin, Ranong, after receiving a tip-off that a Myanmar national had been illegally storing goods there. The Prime Minister reportedly joined the inspection as an urgent operation.

A resident in Ranong said the warehouse was allegedly linked to a wealthy business figure from Myeik, adding that the goods were intended for sale in Myanmar and had been purchased and stored in Thailand before being smuggled across the border.

Authorities reportedly confiscated industrial and hotel-use electrical equipment, large generators, more than 2,000 air conditioners, water pumps, refrigerators, and other items with a total estimated value exceeding 50 million baht.

“The government has a clear policy to crack down on all illegal businesses. After hearing reports about a large seizure of goods in Ranong, I personally came to inspect the case,” Prime Minister Anutin told the media.

Reports also said that during the raid, officials received phone calls from individuals in Myanmar as well as alleged attempts to pressure authorities into halting the operation by claiming connections with senior Thai police officers.

A Myanmar national familiar with the matter said the seized equipment had reportedly been purchased for use in major projects and industrial zones, adding that influential figures allegedly attempted to intervene through official connections, but the situation was different because the Thai Prime Minister himself led the raid.

Prime Minister Anutin praised the officers involved in the operation and expressed surprise at the enormous quantity of goods stored inside the warehouse.

“Today, we are personally here at the scene. There is no higher authority than us that can come and settle this case. We will continue the crackdown and confiscate the goods as state property. Anyone attempting to smuggle illegal goods will not escape,” he said.

Thai authorities announced that the seized goods will undergo further inspection before being confiscated by the state, while investigations and arrests of all those involved will continue.