Oil spill in Thailand’s sea reaches tourist island

BANGKOK — An oil spill has reached a popular tourist island in Thailand’s eastern sea despite continuous attempts to clean it up over the weekend.

About 50 tons of crude oil spilled into the sea off Rayong province Saturday morning after a leak occurred in a pipeline operated by PTT Global Chemical Plc (PTTGC).

Rayong’s deputy provincial governor Supeepat Chongpanish says Monday streaks of crude oil about 300 meters (984 feet) wide have tainted the shore of Prao Bay on Samed Island.

He says authorities have closed down the bay as 300 workers are working to get rid of the oil from the white beach and from the waters.

Rayong is 140 kilometers (90 miles) southeast of Bangkok.