Spill probe results on Wednesday
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An independent committee tasked with determining the cause of the recent oil leak in the Gulf of Thailand has postponed the announcement of its probe results till Wednesday. The were initially due to release the results yesterday.
Energy Minister Pongsak Ruktapongpisal said yesterday the panel, chaired by Khunying Thongtip Ratanarat, explained that more information was needed to conclude their inquiry. About 50,000 litres of crude oil leaked from an offshore pipeline of PTT Global Chemical on July 27. Late the next day, the oil began to cover Ao Phrao beach on Koh Samet.
Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Plodprasop Suraswadi was at Ao Phrao yesterday to monitor the last stage of the cleanup. He gave moral support to workers and volunteers, saying things were much improved – with the sea was clean and safe for swimming. He promised to discuss the spill with the National Environment Committee soon, to devise precautionary measures for the short and long term.
