Bangkok Contains Rama III Oil Contamination, Source Remains Unknown

Bangkok Contains Rama III Oil Contamination While Source Remains Unknown

Bangkok authorities contained an oil leak discovered inside drains near Chuea Phloeng Road and the Rama III elevated road after residents reported a strong fuel smell. Crews installed absorbent barriers and pumped roughly 20,000 litres of an oil-and-water mixture from the drainage system, with an initial estimate suggesting around 4,000 litres could be oil. Officials said the contamination was limited to approximately 50 metres of drainage pipe covering about 1,000 square metres and had not reached public waterways. Investigators are examining whether an underground petroleum pipeline could be responsible, although authorities stressed that the theory has not been confirmed. Air monitoring has remained within safe levels while residents in the affected area have been advised to avoid smoking, open flames and other potential ignition sources near drains.