Bangkok: Governor Chatchart Sittipunt has provided an update on the oil spill incident on Chuea Phloeng Road, emphasizing the necessity for excavation to determine the cause of the contamination. According to Thai News Agency, the governor stated that around 20,000 liters of liquid, consisting of both water and oil, have been pumped out of the drainage system since the previous day. Preliminary estimates suggest that the oil content is approximately 20%, equating to around 4,000 liters, though official confirmation is awaited.
Governor Chatchart proposed a hypothesis that an underground oil pipeline, about 14 inches in diameter and operational for nearly 30 years, may be leaking. This pipeline, responsible for transporting various types of oil, runs beneath the property of the State Railway of Thailand. Therefore, permission is required to excavate approximately 2 meters down to inspect the pipeline.
The affected area currently spans a 50-meter stretch of drainage pipe, or roughly 1,000 square meters. Officials have strategically placed sandbags to prevent the spread of oil and are continuously extracting the liquid for proper disposal by specialized agencies. Safety measures are in place, with multiple agencies conducting 24-hour monitoring of oil vapor and Leakage Limit (LEL) levels to prevent ignition risks. The public is advised to avoid smoking or creating sparks near the affected area.
Following a reduction in pipeline pressure by the managing company, both the amount of oil and odor in the area have decreased. Governor Chatchart noted that if a leak is confirmed, reducing pressure will mitigate further oil escape, simplifying management of the remaining contamination. He reiterated the importance of safety, with experts from various agencies collaborating on-site to address the situation without causing public alarm.
The governor emphasized the need for expert confirmation before taking further action. He reassured the public that safety is paramount and urged against panic. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, in conjunction with other stakeholders, is committed to resolving the issue efficiently and safely.