Thai Minister Orders Probe of Oil Spill in Flooded Prachinburi
Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister has ordered the Pollution Control Department to investigate an oil slick spreading through floodwaters in Prachinburi. Officials have collected water samples from four sites and are awaiting lab results to determine if pollution laws were violated. If wrongdoing is found, legal action will be pursued against the responsible company.
The minister’s order came after reports of rainbow-colored slicks resembling used lubricating oil floating on floodwaters in Huai Wa sub-district, Sri Maha Pho district, Prachinburi. The Pollution Control Department’s Region 7 office in Saraburi, together with the Prachinburi Natural Resources and Environment office, inspected the site and found the slick spreading across flooded rice fields. Water samples were taken from four locations, including a rice field receiving runoff from the factory, and sent to laboratories for analysis. Officials said they are awaiting results and will file a complaint with the Sri Maha Pho City Police if pollution is confirmed. Minister Sujata stressed that any violation must be dealt with decisively to protect people and the environment.
