Bangkok: An oil leak has been identified near the oil pipeline on Rama 3 Road, close to Khlong Toei, Bangkok, approximately 30 meters from a previous location. The discovery follows a two-week investigation into an oil spill in the area.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Thitiphas Chotdechachainant, Secretary to the Minister of Energy, reported the progress in the investigation of the oil spill incident on Chuea Phloeng Road under the Rama 3 elevated bridge. Officials have been working to identify the source of oil contamination in the drainage system and surrounding areas. Excavations revealed underground cavities and oil-contaminated water, prompting an expanded search to locate the spill's origin.
The investigation recently uncovered a leak from a pipeline licensed by BAFS Pipeline Transport Co., Ltd. (BPT) and operated by Bangkok Fuel Pipeline and Logistics Co., Ltd. (BFPL), a subsidiary of Bangchak Corporation. Ms. Thitiphas emphasized that both companies must take full responsibility for the damages and comply with Department of Energy Business directives to prevent future incidents.
The Department of Energy Business has outlined a three-step operational guideline to address the issue. The first step involves the rapid identification and repair of damaged areas, with operators required to locate defects quickly and submit maintenance records for review. The second step is a comprehensive pigging test of the 32-kilometer pipeline after repairs are completed, to check for potential leaks or other issues. Finally, the third step mandates replacing and rerouting pipes in high-risk areas to enhance safety and prevent recurrence.