RAYONG, 29 October 2013 The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and PTT Global Chemical Plc have assured the public that Ao Prao beach will be reopeed to the public on November 1 after a thorough inspection.
Both parties issued a joint statement saying that, after conducting extensive tests on 12 beaches on the island, they found that the sea off Koh Samet’s Ao Prao and nearby areas, affected by the July 27 oil spill, have returned to normal since the end of September.
The ministry said the marine life in Ao Prao such as stone crabs, snails, and oysters can be seen on the beach again following the clean-up operation.
Working committees have earlier been set up to assess the impact of the oil spill and to rehabilitate the affected areas.
The ministry further said that no legal action will be taken against PTT as the company has already paid compensation to villagers and provincial authorities.
About 50,000 litres of crude oil leaked into the sea when a pipeline of PTTGC leaked on July 27.
