Photo: Greenpeace
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said there has been “a significant improvement” at Ko Samet, where an oil spill covered Ao Phrao beach just days ago.
According to the TAT, speedy cleanup measures taken by the government and PTT have reduced the size of the oil film from about 9 square kilometers on July 31st to just 5 square kilometers today.
The Authority said it expects the rest of the cleanup to take just 1-2 more days.
This report comes just one day after the government admitted to needing foreign help to continue cleaning efforts on Koh Samet and Rayong. Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Surawadi stated that Thailand is ill equipped to manage the spill alone and that foreign aide is now necessary.
Needless to say the TAT is a party with a clear agenda in how this spill is reported.
Their brief to the media, which included surreal images of a clean and tidy Ko Samet, also claimed that:
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1. Only Ao Phrao was affected by the oil slick. The rest of the island is normal. Swimming is possible in the waters including at Had Sai Kaew (Crystal Sand Beach), Ao Wong Duean, Ao Phai, Ao Kio and Ao Karang all of which are located on the east of Samet Island which is totally unaffected.
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2. There has been some oil films founded on the northern part of Samet Island; however, these areas are not for beach activities.
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3. The Minister of Tourism and Sports Somsak Pureesrisak has travelled to Samet Island and will attend the meeting with local tourism operators to follow up the problems and discuss plans to assist the local businesses affected by cancellations. Various tax-cuts and marketing efforts are likely to be implemented. Local commercial banks are also prepared to assist, according to local news reports.
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4. The Tourism and Sports Minister has been quoted as saying that the Cabinet had agreed that PTTGC should compensate those hotels that have lost business due to guest cancellations.
Some pictures from the TAT press release below:
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