Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Varawut Silpa-archa said that it is important that they prevent the oil spill from reaching the coastal areas. It is currently on course to reach Ao Prao, a small bay on Koh Samet, which is a popular resort island.
Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC) reported a leaking pipeline last Tuesday. They were able to bring it under control however 50,000 liters (13,209 gallons) of oil escaped into the ocean 20 km (12 miles) from the coastline of eastern Thailand.
Rayong province declared a disaster area after some oil reached the shores of Mae Ramphueng Beach last Friday. Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) showed the oil spill has spread to cover 67 sq km (25.87 sq miles) area of the sea.
The Royal Thai Navy, which is working to contain the spill at sea, said it may take over a month to restore affected beach areas. Officials from the navy, SPRC, and other trained volunteers will help clean the oil from the beach.