Clean-up operations are under way after tons of oil struck one of Thailand’s most popular resorts following a weekend oil spill.
Around 50,000 litres of crude oil flooded into the sea around 20km off the coast of Rayong on Saturday, after a leak in a pipeline operated by state-controlled PTT Global Chemicals.
Royal Navy and safety experts had spent the weekend trying to stop the oil slick, but around 5,000 litres remain to be cleaned up.
Streaks of crude oil had tainted the shore of Prao Bay on Samed Island, Rayong deputy provincial governor Supeepat Chongpanish said.
“An oil slick has reached Ao Prao beach on Koh Samet island,” PTT Global, which estimates that around 5,000 litres remain to be cleaned up, said in a statement.
“This should be the last oil slick that will come to shore. It is stuck in one particular corner of the shore close to some rocks.”
The Koh Samet resort is known for its white sandy beaches and is a popular destination for local and foreign tourists.
Authorities have closed down the bay as 300 workers try to get rid of the oil from the white beach and from the waters, said Mr Chongpanish.