A petrochemical company this morning paid compensation to 48 fishing groups affected by two high-profile gulf oil spills it was responsible for.
Fishery representatives called off their planned boycott of Star Petroleum’s refinery in Rayong province after they agreed to THB45,000 (US$1,400) in compensation per vessel, or THB27 million (US$826,000) in total damages.
The firm’s Jirasak Mahasukhon said the first round of payments were made to approximately 600 fishermen who signed up for compensation before Friday. More payments will be made in the coming weeks.
Rayong fishermen will ‘blockade’ refinery to demand compensation for gulf oil spills
Fisherwoman Songsri Wareechol told reporters she was happy that the money will be able to support her family as they were not able to head out to sea due to the oil spill. She hopes that those who have not been compensated receive pay ASAP.
It’s a far cry from the THB365,000 demanded last week by the fishers, who had threatened to drop anchor outside the coastal refinery to block access. It’s 50% more than the refinery’s original offer of THB30,000 (US$920) to each fisherman.
The deal was struck Monday.
A large oil spill in January harmed the environment, wildlife and livelihoods in Rayong when an undersea pipeline burst offshore, dumping over 160,000 liters of crude oil into the gulf. A second rupture occurred in February.
In addition to paying out the victims, the company is injecting sealant to prevent further leaks from happening.
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Rayong fishermen will ‘blockade’ refinery to demand compensation for gulf oil spills
