BANGKOK — Authorities are investigating a suspected leak from an underground oil pipeline after oil contamination was discovered in Bangkok’s drainage system near the boundary between Klong Toey and Yan Nawa districts.
The discovery prompted a large-scale cleanup operation near Chuea Phloeng Road and beneath the elevated section of Rama III Road after residents reported strong oil-like odours coming from drains.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said authorities are now focusing on an underground pipeline as a possible source of the contamination.
The pipeline is believed to be about 30 years old and runs several metres below ground.
Thousands of litres recovered
Authorities have been pumping contaminated liquid from the drainage system as part of efforts to contain the problem.
Officials said approximately 20,000 to 22,000 litres of contaminated liquid had been recovered during the cleanup operation.
The exact amount of oil contained in the recovered liquid is still being analysed.
Initial estimates suggested that the mixture contained a significant amount of oil, but authorities said laboratory results would be needed to confirm the final figure.
Underground pipeline now under investigation
Officials believe an underground pipeline could be leaking oil into the surrounding area and eventually into the drainage system.
The suspected pipeline is approximately 14 inches wide and is used to transport different types of petroleum products, according to Thai reports.
Authorities are preparing to excavate the area to inspect the pipeline directly and identify whether it has been damaged or developed a defect.
The investigation is complicated because the pipeline is located near other underground infrastructure.
Officials will need to coordinate with the State Railway of Thailand and other agencies before excavation begins to avoid damaging nearby utilities.
Pipeline pressure reduced
One of the immediate measures taken was to reduce pressure in the suspected pipeline.
Governor Chadchart said this had resulted in a noticeable reduction in the smell of oil in the surrounding area.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation around the clock while investigators work to confirm the exact source of the contamination.
Residents warned to avoid flames and sparks
Authorities initially issued safety warnings because oil vapours can pose a fire risk.
Residents near affected drains were advised to avoid activities that could create flames or sparks.
This included:
- Smoking near drain openings
- Lighting fires
- Using equipment that could produce sparks
- Carrying out activities near areas with strong fumes
Officials also advised vulnerable residents, including children, elderly people and those with respiratory conditions, to take precautions against strong odours.
No evacuation ordered
Despite the contamination, authorities said nearby residents did not need to evacuate at the time of the latest assessment.
Bangkok officials said the situation remained under close observation.
Emergency accommodation was being prepared as a precaution in case conditions changed, but authorities said there was no immediate need to move residents from nearby communities.
Governor Chadchart also said efforts were focused on ensuring the contaminated liquid would not enter public waterways.
Officials blocked sections of the drainage system and deployed containment measures to stop the oil from spreading further.
Excavation expected to take several days
Authorities are preparing excavation equipment to expose the suspected pipeline and inspect it directly.
Temporary road closures may be required around the work site.
Officials said the excavation work could take approximately two to three days, depending on conditions underground and the complexity of the surrounding infrastructure.
Investigation continues
The contamination was first reported after residents noticed strong chemical and oil-like smells coming from drains in the area.
Authorities from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Ministry of Energy, Pollution Control Department and private-sector specialists have since joined the response.
Air quality and volatile organic compounds are also being monitored as part of the safety operation.
The exact cause of the contamination has not yet been officially confirmed.
However, the underground pipeline has emerged as the leading focus of the investigation.
The bottom line
Bangkok authorities are racing to identify the source of an oil contamination problem affecting drains near Klong Toey and Yan Nawa, with an ageing underground pipeline now under close investigation.
Thousands of litres of contaminated liquid have already been removed, pipeline pressure has been reduced and excavation work is being prepared to locate a possible defect.
Authorities say there is currently no evacuation order, but monitoring will continue around the clock as investigators work to confirm whether the underground oil pipeline is responsible for the leak.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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