Oil Leak Under Rama III Road Traced to 5-Meter-Deep Underground Cavity
Authorities investigating an oil leak beneath Rama III Road in Bangkok discovered a 5-meter-deep underground cavity as the source and vowed to prosecute those responsible without exception.
Oil Leak Under Rama III Road Traced to 5-Meter-Deep Underground Cavity; Authorities to Prosecute Those Responsible Without Exception.
On September 15, 2569, Thitiphat Chotidechachaiyanan, Secretary to the Energy Minister and chair of the Energy Reform Inspection Committee (Energy Crack-Down Team), disclosed updates on the investigation into the oil leak on Rama III Road.
During site surveys on the evening of September 14, authorities initially found no direct breach from oil transport pipelines but discovered an underground cavity with intermittent oil seepage.
On the day of investigation, personnel pumped oil-contaminated water from the site and placed sandbags to block the cavity entrance, reducing oil contamination.
Later that evening, Thitiphat, along with the Deputy Director of the Department of Energy Business and energy department staff, conducted on-site inspections with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Bangchak Group engineers. They removed the sandbags and inserted a 2-meter-long pipe into the leaking cavity, discovering the cavity was much deeper than expected. Using bamboo extensions, they probed more than 5 meters deep, necessitating urgent investigation of the cavity's structure and pathways to locate the oil source.
Thitiphat stated that the Deputy Director of Energy Business has requested assistance from Sustainable Solution Company Limited to dispatch specialists and equipment. Inspection cameras and underground detection equipment will be deployed tomorrow to examine the cavity structure and determine the origin of the leaking oil.
"We are determined to find the source and cause of this oil leak, because once we identify the cause, we can fix it precisely. If officials locate the source or anyone responsible, we are prepared to prosecute under the law without exception, as this has created serious trouble and damage to the public," Thitiphat said.
All agencies continue intensive site investigations to control contamination and locate the oil leak source as quickly as possible, prioritizing public safety and minimizing impact to residents.
