BANGKOK, Thailand – The Pollution Control Department (PCD) continues to monitor the oil spill beneath the Rama III Road overpass in Bangkok after the removal of approximately 22,000 liters of oil-contaminated liquid from the city’s drainage system. PCD Director-General Surin Worakijthamrong stated that the department deployed officials to support the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and assess safety conditions before pumping operations.
According to the director-general, lower Explosive Limit (LEL) measurements at drainage points ranged from 5 to 14 percent, allowing operations to proceed with strict safety measures. Bangkok authorities closed approximately 100 meters around the pumping area, and Bangchak Corporation and the Shell Company of Thailand supplied equipment to remove contamination from four drainage points.
Pumping was completed on September 8, leaving only a thin oil film in some sections of the drainage system. Khlong Toei fire officials continue to conduct inspections and hourly monitoring. After the inspection, Bangchak is expected to open about three meters of road surface at a suspected site to determine whether an oil pipeline is leaking. The PCD has collected oil samples for an “oil fingerprint” analysis to identify the oil’s type and characteristics and help determine its source. Results are expected within two weeks. The director-general confirmed that once authorities identify the source, they will take legal action against the responsible parties under applicable laws.
