Clear-up has continued on the tropical Thai resort island of Koh Samet after oil from a leaked pipe reached the western side of the coastline this week.
The island’s Phrao Bay has been closed for three days to allow authorities to clean up the area, and prevent the oil slick from spreading to other parts of the island. Crude oil leaked from a PPT Global Chemical pipeline on Friday and washed up onto shores earlier this week. Around 70% of the oil has been removed with the clear-up expected to be completed this weekend.
A statement from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said hotels and resorts in Phrao Bay/Ao Phrao have seen some tourists checking out and move to properties on the eastern site.
“So far the island has only been slightly affected by the spill as the oil slick has reached only Ao Phrao and the other 14 bays of Samet Island remain intact. Very few bookings have been cancelled so far in the affected area,” said Chuchart Oncharoen, TAT director in Rayong.
Joanna Cooke from TAT’s London office said it had stressed to tour operator partners that only one beach is affected.
“As long as weather conditions do not change drastically we hope that the beach will be cleaned up quickly (within a week) and tourism can resume as normal to that particular beach (Ao Phrao). We have not received any calls or emails from concerned tourists in the area but understand that head office is assisting locally on the ground,” she added.
Koh Samet is a popular holiday destination for both Thai and international tourists, and attracts approximately one million visitors a year. It is currently a low season for tourism in the region.
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