The beaches of the Thai province of Rayong were covered by an environmental disaster. Oil leaked into the sea through a leak in an underwater pipeline, and beaches such as Lai Mae Pim and Lai Charoen polluted the water and shore. Fishermen also found oil slicks a few miles from the coast – they can “swim” on the beach.
Officers and specialists hired by Star Petroleum Refining now work with samples taken from different beaches. So far, the information does not inspire optimism: the governor of Rayong Changchang Yamseng announced that there were only three leaks from the offshore pipeline of the state company Star Petroleum Refining. “Experts responded to the situation immediately after the leak was detected by spraying degreaser and using oil vouchers to control the spread of oil,” the governor said.
However, locals are showing a sad picture. On the beaches and in the ocean – oil spills, black oily spots and yellow-black foam. According to a report on Lai Charoen Beach, the pollution spread 300 meters along the coast. The sea is also covered with yellow and black bubbles. Similarly, near Laem Mae Pim beach there were also black strains and oil spills on the beach. Employees of the environmental audit company Health and Envitech, hired by the oil company, are monitoring the situation. The oil company has promised compensation, including to hotels and restaurants affected by the accident, but it is clear that it is difficult for tourism to compensate.
Note: Lai Mae Pim and Lai Charoen are beaches in Rayong Province, about 60 km from Pattaya, a favorite of our tourists. In the “docking” times, they saw many tourists who advertised this place as “ideal for a quiet family vacation” – in contrast to the bustling Pattaya. “The beach is very beautiful. It is very long, we walked the beach 2.5-3 kilometers. The sand on the beach is not white, but the same singing as on the beach of Karon (Phuket). Water in the sea is clear, clean, no jellyfish. The color is the same as on many beaches in Phuket. The entrance to the sea is very gentle, just for recreation with children, “they said. Now this beauty is under threat.
For those who care about a healthy lifestyle, we recommend reading: “Those who want to lose weight, given a simple recommendation that does not require effort.”