Popular island Ko Samet is threaten by an oil spill locating along the coast of Rayong.
BANGKOK- On Saturday morning, an oil spill of 50,000 litres of crude was found in the sea, off the coasts of Rayong Province, a popular destination southern of Bangkok. The oil leaked from PTT Global Chemical Plc’s pipeline. Pollution from oil was predicted to eventually reach Mae Ramphung Beach, a popular tourist site in Muang Rayong district. On Sundy late afternoon, the situation was getting worst: radios and tvs announced that Samet Island could also be affected as the oil spill was just located one to two km of the extremely popular resort destination.
The newspaper Bangkok Post reported that Theerapat Prayoonsit, deputy director-general of the department, indicated that officials at the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, had informed me a couple of hours ago that oil slick was in not written. According to the Deputy Director-General, serious threat now exist against the pristine environment of the Island, particularly the beautiful beaches, coral reefs and other marine creatures.
Koh Samet is particularly popular with expatriates and young travellers, at only three hours and a half from Bangkok. Windsurfing, snorkeling, diving and fishing are among the most popular activities.
The oil leaked from PTT Global Chemical Plc’s pipeline at 6.50am. It was possible some of the oil could reach Mae Ramphung Beach, a famous tourist site in Muang Rayong district, a PTTGC spokesman said on Saturday. Cleaning operations started as soon as possible on Saturday. A deputy from the opposition asked the government to come out with an explanation and highlighted the measures which will be taken to limit the impact of the oil leak on the environment.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
