Eknat has instructed O Suetsoy to supervise the repair of the oil pipeline leak on Rama 3. Fourteen meters of pipe have been replaced, and efforts are accelerating to run pigging and test the pipeline's quality to ensure safety and prevent recurrence of the incident.
On 4 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Thitiphat Chotidechachainan, Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Chairperson of the Intensive Energy Reform Oversight Committee—known as the "Energy Suetsoy Team"—along with Mr. Chatthai Khunlohith, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Energy Business, visited the site to monitor progress on repairing the oil pipeline in the Rama 3 area following the oil spill incident. They closely observed the work of the technical team, safety measures, and the care provided to affected residents.
Ms. Thitiphat reported significant progress in the repairs. The technical team has completed replacing the entire 14-meter section of pipe where the leak was found. Currently, preparations are underway to proceed with internal pipe cleaning and inspection, or "Run Pig," along the entire oil transport route to ensure the system's readiness and safety before resuming operation.
Additionally, Minister of Energy Eknat Phonpun has ordered a thorough water quality inspection around the incident area to assess environmental impact and confirm safety. The oil pipeline will not be allowed to resume operation until all inspections meet the required safety standards. It is expected that the pipeline will return to normal operation within approximately one month.
“To determine the true cause of the oil leak, the Ministry of Energy has engaged the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) to conduct a precise investigation. The detailed findings will be analyzed to identify contributing factors and establish preventive measures to enhance safety, ensuring that similar incidents do not recur in the future,” she said. .
Ms. Thitiphat also addressed the care for residents and communities near the incident site. She said the pipeline owner has been ordered to conduct health checks for local residents potentially affected to ensure comprehensive care. Furthermore, the owner has been urged to promptly negotiate with nearby businesses and shops to assess damages and provide fair and swift compensation, prioritizing those directly impacted by the incident.
“The Minister of Energy is deeply concerned about the welfare and safety of the public. Therefore, he has instructed me and the Department of Energy Business to closely monitor and supervise the situation to ensure rapid resolution with the highest safety standards,” she added.
Ms. Thitiphat emphasized that although the repair and replacement of the damaged 14-meter pipe section have been completed, it remains necessary to conduct Run Pig operations and verify the entire system's safety until it meets standards. Only then will permission be granted to resume oil pipeline operations. The entire process is expected to finish and the pipeline to be operational within about one month.
Ms. Thitiphat further stated that in the future, the Ministry of Energy aims to promote data connectivity between oil operators and the Department of Energy Business. This will enable government agencies to receive timely information and respond quickly to any abnormal or emergency events of this nature.
Moreover, the Ministry has instructed the pipeline owner to fully assume responsibility for affected residents, especially ensuring health checks for all impacted villagers. The owner must also expedite negotiations and provide appropriate and fair compensation to businesses and shops located along the pipeline route.
All these actions are proceeding alongside awaiting the final cause investigation results from MTEC. These scientific findings will be analyzed and used as guidelines to enhance safety measures and prevent similar severe incidents in the future.
“The Ministry of Energy confirms it will closely monitor the situation, prioritizing the safety of the public, the environment, and local operators. It will expedite all necessary steps to meet standards before considering approval for the oil pipeline system to resume normal operation,” she concluded.
