Local fishermen are being blamed for a mysterious oil slick has washed up on a Sattahip beach, fouling the air and water for tourists and local business operators.
A number of dead sea creatures washed up behind the Dor-Shada Resort in Najomtien Sub-district Aug. 27-29. Residents also reported a strong, foul odor coming from the water. About 500 meters of beachfront was contaminated by chemicals that appeared to derive from an oil slick.
A local hotel employee points out the green slick that washed up on a Sattahip Beach.
Sub-district chief Sompong Sai-napa said the oil slick and the greenish stain were likely caused by an illegal discharge of oil by fishing boats or a release of polluted water by a local tapioca factory.
Local environment officials were investigating the incident and collecting water samples for analysis. A cassava plant on the northern side of Sakngaew may also be to blame, he alleged.
