BANGKOK, Thailand – Bangkok authorities are excavating land near Chuea Phloeng Road to pinpoint the source of an oil spill detected in the city’s drainage system, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said.
Rescue and municipal teams have pumped out roughly 20,000 liters of mixed liquid from the drainage system in the Rama 3 area, with officials estimating that oil accounts for around 20% of the total volume, pending laboratory confirmation.
Authorities suspect the leak originates from an underground pipeline about two meters deep, which runs through State Railway of Thailand land. The affected area remains contained within a 50-meter section of the drainage system, covering approximately 1,000 square meters. Sandbags have been deployed to block off the pipeline ends to prevent further spreading.
Officials from the Energy Ministry, the Pollution Control Department, and private specialists are monitoring the site continuously. Flammability and vapor concentration tests indicate levels remain stable and within safe limits, though authorities have advised the public to avoid smoking or creating sparks near the area. Pressure inside the nearby transport pipeline has been reduced, leading to a visible drop in oil volume and odor. Further excavation is planned to confirm the exact point of leakage and resolve the issue. (TNA)
