Phuket: The Pollution Control Department is overseeing the cleanup of an oil spill in the sea off Phuket, ensuring that all procedures prioritize environmental safety.

According to Thai News Agency, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) has confirmed that the use of chemicals to address the oil spill from the sinking of the cargo ship SEALLOYD ARC PANAMA will adhere strictly to environmental and public safety standards. An Oil Map model was employed to predict that the oil spill would not impact the Thai coastline.

Mr. Surin Worakitthamrong, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, stated that the Panamanian-flagged cargo ship sank off Phuket Province on February 7, 2026, due to a suspected hull leak that allowed water to flood in, causing the vessel to capsize. The ship was transporting 297 dry cargo containers, 98 tons of heavy fuel oil, and 32 tons of marine diesel oil.

The Pollution Control Department has been closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing its role in controlling and authorizing chemical dispersants for oil spills in Thai waters. This is in compliance with the National Oil Spill Prevention and Control Plan of 2002. The chemicals used must be certified both domestically and internationally and authorized by the PCD, particularly in sensitive areas like shallow waters, freshwater sources, and regions with delicate ecosystems.

The shipwreck occurred at a depth of approximately 60 meters, with the oil slick moving southwest into the open sea, away from the Thai coast. The PCD used an Oil Map mathematical model to confirm this, permitting the immediate use of chemical dispersants at the site without prior permission, provided a report is submitted afterward.

Mr. Surin explained that oil dispersants consist of surfactants and solvents designed to break down oil on the water's surface into small droplets, dispersing them into the water mass to accelerate dilution to levels that are not harmful and can be naturally biodegraded.

The permitting process involves assessing the appropriate type and quantity of substances to match the oil spill, undergoing a Net Environmental Benefits Analysis (NEBA). The recommended ratio is 1:10 between the substance and the oil to minimize the impact on the ecosystem.