Thailand strives to contain oil spillover at sea

Illustrative image (Photo: Royal Thai Navy)

Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand on January 26 mobilised its navy and other agencies to contain an oil spill after an estimated 160,000 litres leaked from an undersea pipeline about 20 km (12.4 miles) off its industrialised eastern seaboard.

Director General of the Pollution Control Department Atthapol Charoenchansa said the leak at the pipeline owned by Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited started late on January 25, southeast of the Map Ta Phut industrial estate, a major petrochemical complex.

He earlier said Koh Samet, a resort island off Rayong province popular among foreign tourists, could be impacted by January 28, but has since revised the threat level.

Sophon Thongdee, Director General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resource, said the cleanup should conclude on January 27 and there was no major damage to marine life or habitat.

However, experts would be dispatched to carry out further assessment, he said.

In a statement, the company said the leakage has not impacted refinery operation./.