Sludge seen along beach in Rayong

Sludge seen along beach in Rayong

Officials strive to control oil spill

Sludge from the most recent oil spill in the Gulf of Thailand has washed ashore in Rayong province’s Mae Ramphueng beach despite authorities insisting the issue is under control.

The anti-oil spill coordination centre previously reported the sludge was floating idly some 8 kilometres from the beach and 15km from Koh Samet, and that it would not wash ashore.

However, local journalists yesterday reported seeing a “thin film of oil” on the beach.

The sludge came from the second oil spill to hit Rayong province in two weeks. The first spill began on Jan 25 and was eventually declared under control.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment earlier urged the police to investigate pipeline owner Star Petroleum Refining Public Co Ltd (SPRC)…