Villagers Find Rainbow Oil Slick in Prachin Buri Rice Fields
Residents of Prachin Buri province waded through muddy rice fields to investigate mysterious polluted water and discovered rainbow-colored oil slicks emitting a strong odor. They warned of possible toxic contamination similar to a previous industrial waste incident and urged Minister Warawut to inspect the area urgently. The group also noted nearby factories and risks to local water supplies, and has collected evidence for authorities.
Residents from Prachin Buri, led by volunteer environmentalist Sunut Khomkhay, known as 'Kaset Laem', and village head Siripong Thoboon, trekked over three kilometers through eucalyptus plantations and rice fields to reach the suspected pollution site in Khao Mai Kaew. Along the way they encountered fresh elephant tracks and even came face‑to‑face with a wild elephant from the Khao Ang Rue Nai wildlife sanctuary before the animal retreated safely into the forest. Upon arrival at the creek and surrounding paddies, the team observed a large rainbow‑hued oil slick floating on the water, turning the canal and fields black and releasing a strong, unpleasant smell. Sunut said the scent and appearance closely resemble the chemical leak that occurred at the 'Sra Makheua' pond in Sri Maha Pho district, raising fears that toxic substances have contaminated hundreds of rai of rice crops. He noted that factories located upstream and the village water supply, which draws from local canals and natural waterways, could be affected if the pollution spreads, posing a risk to public health. The group has photographed the scene, collected samples, and urged provincial agencies to investigate immediately, while also calling on Minister Warawut, who is scheduled to visit Prachin Buri on October 19, 2026, to inspect the site and take decisive action.
