A large number of the globules, believed to be dissolved oil, have been found scattered along the beaches in the eastern provinces of Rayong and Chon Buri as well as an oil sheen, and have been sent for analysis, according to the Marine and Coastal Resources Department.
The black globules were found on beaches in Samae Sarn sub-district of Sattahip in Chon Buri, Kinnaree beach, also in Chon Buri, and on the Napa Tharaphirom beach in Rayong, The department’s Director-general Sophon Thongdee said that the substance does not smell, but samples will be tested.
The discovery of black globules came two weeks after tonnes of crude oil leaked from an offshore pipeline of Star Petroleum Refining Public Limited Company into the sea off Map Ta Phut industrial estate in Rayong province.
A massive containment and clean-up operation was launched, involving the Royal Thai Navy, the Pollution Control Department and the Marine and Coastal Resources Department, as well as the oil company, to keep the crude away from the beaches and corals.
At the Mae Ram Phueng beach, which was badly affected by the oil spill two weeks ago, Sophon said that a gelatinous oil film was found under the sand on the beach and samples have been sent for tests, but the state of the sea is normal.