Bangkok plans oil tests after about 4,000 litres recovered by September 14
Bangkok’s Rama 3 drains still showed oil on September 14, but Chadchart reported no significant increase while officials planned sample tests.
- Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said oil seepage continued in Khlong Toei drains early on September 14, but the amount detected had not increased significantly.
- Chadchart estimated that about 4,000 litres of oil had been recovered from the affected drainage system.
- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration plans to analyse oil samples and compare them with local oil sources to identify the origin of the contamination.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Monday (September 14, 2026) that authorities would test oil samples to identify the source of contamination in Rama 3 Road drains in Khlong Toei, after recovering an estimated 4,000 litres of oil. Chadchart said seepage was continuing but the amount detected had not increased significantly.
The contamination had been detected in Khlong Toei’s drainage system for about a week, Chadchart said. In his latest account, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had pumped out about 20,000 litres of water and oil, with oil estimated to account for 20%, or around 4,000 litres.
Bangkok plans oil tests to identify contamination source
The BMA will meet relevant agencies and send samples from the Rama 3 drains for laboratory analysis to identify the type of oil and its composition, Chadchart said. Investigators will compare the results with oil sources in the area to help establish where the contamination originated.
The BMA has coordinated with the Energy Ministry, the Department of Energy Business and oil companies to investigate the cause of the contamination, according to Chadchart.
Pipeline operator reports no leaks near Rama 3 drains
The operator of two high-pressure oil pipelines near the affected Rama 3 drains said inspections had found no leaks so far, Chadchart reported. Officials had excavated the area to examine the 14-inch pipelines, for which Chadchart cited a flow rate of about 400,000 litres an hour.
Chadchart said traces of oil were still seen seeping onto the water surface in the Khlong Toei drainage system at about 4.30am on September 14. A preliminary explanation is that rainwater may have forced old oil trapped in underground cavities into the drains, but that possibility requires further investigation.
BMA officials continue to monitor vapours around the affected drains to protect residents and surrounding areas, Chadchart said.
Chadchart considers data-centre link unlikely
Chadchart said his preliminary assessment was that the Khlong Toei oil contamination was unrelated to data-centre operations, because the affected drainage site and the data centre were in different locations.
Addressing separate reports of oil residue in Bang Kapi district, Chadchart said he had not received an official report and would accelerate checks to establish the facts.
Rama 3 emergency response began on September 7
The emergency response began on September 7 after residents reported strong oil-like odours near the Khlong Toei–Yan Nawa boundary. Authorities warned against flames and sparks around drain openings.
Following a September 8 inspection, authorities maintained round-the-clock monitoring and judged evacuation of two nearby communities unnecessary at that stage.
Residents who notice oil residue or unusual conditions in Bangkok’s drainage system can report the location through Traffy Fondue so that officials can investigate.
