Thailand scrambles to contain second oil leak off east coast

Boats are seen following oil spills caused by a leak from an undersea pipeline 20 km (12.4 miles) off Thailand’s eastern coast at Prao Beach in Koh Samet island, Rayong province, Thailand, January 31, 2022. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

BANGKOK, Feb 10 (Reuters) – Ships were deployed in Thailand on Thursday to contain a fresh oil spill off its eastern coast, authorities said, two weeks after an undersea pipeline leak in the same area damaged coastal communities and marine life.

The pipeline, owned by Star Petroleum Refining Public Company (SPRC) (SPRC.BK), sprang a leak on Jan. 26 and spewed an estimated 47,100 to 55,000 litres (12,443 to 14,529 gallons) of oil into the sea.

It was patched up within a day but not before it damaged a beach area in Rayong province and threatened corals in the shallow waters.