Unknown Oily Substance Washes Ashore on Koh Larn

Unknown Oily Substance Washes Ashore on Koh Larn

A mysterious oily substance washed onto more than a kilometre of Koh Larn’s western coastline, leaving some swimmers covered in a sticky residue. Beach umbrella and speedboat operators first noticed the film floating offshore around midday on August 9 before waves carried it onto beaches including Hat Tien and Hat Samae San. Large sheets of the material reportedly broke into smaller clumps as they reached the sand, prompting tourists who encountered it in the water to quickly wash themselves. No allergic reactions or other health problems had been reported, while officials had yet to confirm whether the substance was actually oil or another form of pollution. Pattaya authorities dispatched personnel to inspect and clean the affected areas while investigating the source, although no beach closures or swimming restrictions had been announced.