Koh Samet almost completely cleaned up
Bangkok – The Thai eastern island of Koh Samet, which was affected by a recent oil spill, has been declared as being “almost completely cleaned up”.
The move came after an area inspection by more than 200 senior Thai tourism industry executives and media led by tourism and sports minister Somsak Pureesrisak during the last weekend (August 17 to 18, 2013).
The oil spillage, caused by a rupture in a pipeline operated by PTT Global Chemical, a subsidiary of the national energy company, the Petroleum Authority of Thailand, occurred on July 27, 2013. It washed up primarily on Ao Prao beach.
Hundreds of clean-up teams, including the oil company’s staff, navy personnel and volunteers, were deployed around the clock over a week as part of an intensive operation to mop up the oil and restore the area to its pristine beauty.
The PTT has offered compensation to the affected accommodation places and other tourism industry companies for the damage caused. Some of the affected lodges and hotels are also being used by PTT staff to manage the clean-up operations.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Suraphon Svetasreni expressed his gratitude to all those who had played an excellent crisis management role in restoring the area.
“Everyone responded professionally and quickly, and I am truly gratified to see how quickly the area has been cleaned-up. We in TAT will now work under the guidance of the Minister to ensure a return to business as usual as soon as possible,” he said.
Local business operators said they had experienced a 30 per cent drop in occupancy, with local visitors mainly postponing their trips to another weekend, while foreigners cancelled and went elsewhere. Many of the lodges are offering discounted rates to induce visitors to return.
Three accommodation premises and resorts located directly on Ao Phrao Beach; such as, Ao Praw Resort, Lima Coco and Le Vimarn Resort, have shut down temporarily and are planning to re-open in October 2013, in time for the start of the Thai tourism high season.
Samet Island of Koh Samet is located in the Thai eastern province of Rayong, some 300km southeast of Bangkok. The island is some 6.5km from the mainland, and is popular with budget tourists, offering numerous activities; such as, diving, jet skiing, and kayaking.
Meanwhile, Rayong is known for its orchard tours, agro-tourism, waterfalls, caves, golfing, herbal tours and traditional markets. The province is also a major agricultural area known for popular Thai fruits; such as, durian, mangosteen, rambutan, long gong, salacca, and pineapple. In addition, It is a major supplier of fish to the region.
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