Rama 3 oil leak clean-up continues under 24-hour watch
Bangkok has removed 22,000 litres from oil-contaminated drains near Rama 3 Road, with no evacuation needed as monitoring and pipeline checks continue.
Bangkok authorities have pumped approximately 22,000 litres from oil-contaminated drains near Rama 3 Road, while assessing that residents of two nearby communities did not need to be evacuated. Round-the-clock monitoring remains in place as officials prepare to excavate the area to locate the leak.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt inspected the affected drainage system along Chuea Phloeng Road and beneath the elevated section of Rama 3 Road, near the boundary between Khlong Toei and Yan Nawa districts, on Tuesday (September 8, 2026).
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is working with the Energy Ministry, the Pollution Control Department and private-sector specialists to contain the contamination and monitor public safety.
Contamination contained and removed for treatment
Chadchart said teams had blocked sections of the drainage system to restrict the flow of contaminated water, deployed oil-absorbent booms and continued pumping the affected drains.
The remaining oil had thinned to a surface film, while the intensity of the smell had noticeably diminished. He stressed that all recovered material would undergo proper treatment and would not be discharged into public waterways.
Following the inspection, the BMA held a coordination meeting with relevant agencies. The meeting assigned the director of Khlong Toei District Office as incident commander for the entire affected area.
A private oil company was designated to lead the clean-up, investigate the cause and maintain personnel on site around the clock. The recovered material is being transported and disposed of under prescribed safety procedures to protect the environment and surrounding communities.
Flammable vapours monitored around the clock
Authorities have tightened access controls and maintained a 24-hour fire watch. Officials are continuously measuring flammable vapour concentrations at road level and in surrounding areas, expressed as a percentage of the lower explosive limit (LEL).
Under the reported response arrangements, fire and rescue stations and the district office will be notified immediately if readings rise towards 15-20% of the LEL, allowing personnel to prepare and introduce further risk-reduction measures.
An 18-litre reserve of firefighting foam has also been prepared, alongside fire engines and support personnel for operations at high-risk locations.
No evacuation required at present
The coordination meeting concluded that evacuation of the two nearby communities was not necessary at that stage, although the situation and its effects on residents would remain under close observation.
The notice also advised children, older people and those with underlying respiratory conditions to use carbon-filter masks as an initial measure against odours.
Backup accommodation is being prepared as a precaution. Residents can report unusual conditions through Traffy Fondue, which accepts reports around the clock.
Excavation planned to identify pipeline defect
Teams will bring excavation equipment into the area to expose the oil pipeline and investigate possible defects.
Officials will coordinate in advance with the State Railway of Thailand and other utility agencies to avoid damaging neighbouring pipes and infrastructure.
Residents will be informed about temporary road closures around the work site, which are expected to last approximately two to three days.
Emergency response began on September 7
The operation began on Monday evening (September 7), when Chadchart led officials from Khlong Toei and Yan Nawa district offices, the Department of Drainage and Sewerage, the Pollution Control Department and rescue teams to inspect the area after residents reported strong oil-like odours rising from drains.
Teams installed absorbent booms, applied an oil-removal solution described as environmentally friendly to reduce odours, and conducted spot checks for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the surrounding air.
Authorities also warned against lighting fires, smoking or undertaking any activity that could generate sparks near drain openings.
