Transport Minister Addresses Bribery Allegations Linked to 'T' Sticker Scheme
Suriya Jungrungreangkit initiates investigation into claims of illegal goods transport from Laos using controversial stickers.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has publicly addressed allegations surrounding a purported bribery scheme involving a 'T' sticker, which allegedly allows lorry drivers to bypass conventional vehicle passport requirements when transporting goods from Laos into Thailand.
The allegations were brought to light by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, deputy leader of the People's Party and its party-list MP, who posted on social media about the issue.
On April 6, Mr. Wiroj shared an image of the alleged 'T' sticker, depicting a black uppercase letter 'T' enclosed within a black circle on a white background.
He claimed that for a fee of 1,000 baht, lorry drivers could obtain this sticker, enabling them to transport goods without undergoing border inspections.
He suggested that the widespread use of this sticker could involve approximately 500 lorries daily, potentially costing the Thai economy around 182.5 million baht annually.
Mr. Wiroj also highlighted significant security issues connected to the scheme, including the risks of trafficking in stolen vehicles, illegal imports, and contraband goods.
He emphasized concerns regarding potential narcotics trafficking and human trafficking associated with these unmonitored transports.
Additionally, he pointed to economic implications, noting that lorries transporting inexpensive cassava from Laos via the Chong Mek border could undermine local cassava productivity.
He specifically mentioned the 300-million-baht interest subsidy scheme aimed at stabilizing the domestic cassava market through the purchase of 6 million tonnes for ethanol production in the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
This scheme is designed to support cassava mills and starch factories by managing excess supply in the market.
In response to the allegations, Minister Suriya announced on Tuesday that he has instructed the director-general of the Department of Highways, along with other relevant authorities, to conduct a thorough investigation into these claims.
He vehemently denied the existence of any such bribery practices linked to the 'T' sticker.
Furthermore, he reported that checkpoints have been established on major routes to enforce regulations and identify any illegal trucks operating in the country.
The allegations were brought to light by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, deputy leader of the People's Party and its party-list MP, who posted on social media about the issue.
On April 6, Mr. Wiroj shared an image of the alleged 'T' sticker, depicting a black uppercase letter 'T' enclosed within a black circle on a white background.
He claimed that for a fee of 1,000 baht, lorry drivers could obtain this sticker, enabling them to transport goods without undergoing border inspections.
He suggested that the widespread use of this sticker could involve approximately 500 lorries daily, potentially costing the Thai economy around 182.5 million baht annually.
Mr. Wiroj also highlighted significant security issues connected to the scheme, including the risks of trafficking in stolen vehicles, illegal imports, and contraband goods.
He emphasized concerns regarding potential narcotics trafficking and human trafficking associated with these unmonitored transports.
Additionally, he pointed to economic implications, noting that lorries transporting inexpensive cassava from Laos via the Chong Mek border could undermine local cassava productivity.
He specifically mentioned the 300-million-baht interest subsidy scheme aimed at stabilizing the domestic cassava market through the purchase of 6 million tonnes for ethanol production in the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
This scheme is designed to support cassava mills and starch factories by managing excess supply in the market.
In response to the allegations, Minister Suriya announced on Tuesday that he has instructed the director-general of the Department of Highways, along with other relevant authorities, to conduct a thorough investigation into these claims.
He vehemently denied the existence of any such bribery practices linked to the 'T' sticker.
Furthermore, he reported that checkpoints have been established on major routes to enforce regulations and identify any illegal trucks operating in the country.
