Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister Pipat Pongsawat has taken charge of the response to the recent oil spill in the Rama 3 area, emphasizing swift resolution and public safety. He visited the affected site to oversee the situation and assured there is currently no need for public evacuation.

According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, acting as Prime Minister, visited the vicinity of Chueapleng Road and under the Rama 3 elevated bridge to assess the oil contamination in the drainage system. Pipat instructed relevant agencies to rapidly manage the crisis, ensure public and environmental safety, determine the cause, and prevent future incidents.

Government efforts are concentrated on contamination control, public safety monitoring, and checking flammable vapor levels. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, along with the Ministry of Energy and the Pollution Control Department, has implemented measures such as blocking pipes and deploying oil absorbent booms. So far, 22,000 liters of residual oil have been collected for treatment, ensuring no release into public waterways.

The situation has improved with the oil slick reduced to a thin film and the odor lessening. Agencies continue to survey for pipeline leaks to prevent further impacts. Roads in the affected area are expected to remain closed for 2-3 days as operations proceed.

Continuous monitoring is in place, especially for flammable vapors, and agencies are ready for any firefighting needs. Although there is no current need for resident evacuation, clear communication with the public is prioritized to reduce anxiety and boost confidence.

Pipat emphasized the importance of quick control, public safety, and identifying the root cause of the incident, assuring that the government supports all agency efforts and will closely follow the situation until resolved.

A joint command center has been established, led by the Director of Khlong Toei District, to manage the response. The primary responsibility for resolving the issue and identifying the cause lies with the private oil company, under government supervision, to expedite solutions and restore public trust.

In a related development, Pipat chaired a meeting of the Committee on Water Pollution Management due to Oil and Chemicals, with the participation of 26 agencies and experts. The meeting set policies for managing water pollution, including prevention, removal, and restoration plans, to standardize national responses to oil and chemical spills.

Subcommittees were also established to enhance operational efficiency, focusing on environmental restoration, water pollution control, and cost assessments. Pipat underlined the necessity of collaboration between the Marine Department and related entities to contain and clean up the oil spill swiftly, safeguarding the public and water sources like the Chao Phraya River.

Pipat stressed the need for a rapid and coordinated response system to protect natural resources, urging anyone witnessing unsafe water incidents to report to the Marine Department hotline at 1199, available around the clock.