Thitiphat revealed that a leak point has been found under the pipe sleeve of the Rama 3 oil pipeline, with damage measuring 6.6 centimeters long. She also ordered an inspection of the entire 32-kilometer pipeline system and emphasized that the company must prepare plans to replace risky pipeline sections, especially near the pier supports.
On 20 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Thitiphat Chotidetchainun, Secretary to the Minister of Energy, visited the site to monitor progress on investigating the oil leak on Chuea Phloeng Road, Rama 3. She urged relevant agencies to quickly identify the cause and inspect the safety of the oil transportation pipeline system after the leak occurred, noting that it took time to examine the leak point under the pipe sleeve.
Ms. Thitiphat stated that the leak point has now been located under the sleeve or pipe cover, which is about 1.8 meters long and firmly attached to the oil pipeline, preventing the sleeve from being slid off for inspection. The company changed its approach to removing the pipe sleeve panel by panel to allow detailed examination of the pipeline condition.
"The Department of Energy Business instructed Bangchak Group to hire a third party with expertise and UT Scan (Ultrasonic Testing) equipment to assist with inspection, as this tool can assess material condition and detect internal cracks without damaging the component," Ms. Thitiphat said.
Ms. Thitiphat reported that the UT Scan conducted the previous evening identified the leak location about 1.2 meters from the end of the pipe sleeve and found damage on the pipeline measuring approximately 6.6 centimeters long and 7 millimeters deep.
For next steps, engineers and technicians will urgently repair the damage using the wrap method. Once the repair material dries, they will conduct repeat UT Scan inspections and at least two additional tests to confirm no leakage at the repair site before proceeding to the pressure test.
"We will not stop at just repairing the current leak but will ensure the entire pipeline system is safe. After testing, an Intelligent Pigging Test will be performed using an intelligent device along the entire 32-kilometer pipeline to assess pipe thickness and identify other risky spots. If risks are found, the company must plan to replace those sections. For the currently damaged area, a replacement plan will be proposed following engineering principles, with close supervision and testing oversight by the Department of Energy Business," Ms. Thitiphat explained.
Ms. Thitiphat also revealed that the Department of Energy Business has ordered the company to submit maintenance history and all data on pipe sleeve installations for review to identify any areas with past or potential leak risks.
"Especially the pipeline sections near pier supports must be surveyed and new pipeline routes planned in line with current site conditions to prevent future leaks," Ms. Thitiphat added.
The Secretary to the Minister of Energy stated that this incident requires comprehensive system-wide inspection, not just fixing the leak spot. The Ministry of Energy and the Department of Energy Business will oversee the company's adherence to engineering standards throughout repair, pressure testing, and full pipeline inspections to ensure safety and reduce the risk of recurrence.