Mitihoon – Bangkok, September 4, 2025 – Thai-MECC, IESG, PTTEP, PTTEP ED, Chevron, OSRL together with more than 25 government and private sector agencies, jointly conducted an oil spill response exercise off the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The exercise deployed a C-130 aircraft to enhance preparedness for emergency situations, enabling oil spill containment and clean-up operations to be carried out swiftly, appropriately, and safely in accordance with legal and international standards.
This event marked Thailand’s first practical oil spill response exercise involving a C-130 aircraft brought in from overseas to support aerial spraying training. The exercise was conducted at U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport and the Royal Thai Naval Air Division in Ban Chang District, Rayong Province, between August 25-27, 2025, as part of a broader government and industry-led initiative to strengthen oil spill response readiness. It also fostered a shared understanding among relevant agencies of the necessity of using aircraft for spraying operations, while reinforcing coordination guidelines between domestic and international organizations in mobilizing expertise and specialized equipment. During the drill, freshwater was used instead of actual dispersant and was sprayed over designated simulation area at sea.
Effective oil spill response at sea requires rapid decision-making, proper method selection, and strong inter-agency coordination to prevent and minimize the spread of oil. Aerial spraying is considered as one of the most effective approaches, as it enables quick access to the spill site, facilitates timely containment and clean-up, and allows treatment agents to be applied in appropriate and continuous volumes across wide areas, including locations that are difficult for vessels to reach. This approach helps contain and mitigate oil spread, significantly reducing potential environmental consequences.
In addition to aerial spraying, oil spill response can involve a range of other methods. The choice of approach depends on expert assessment of the oil type and volume, environmental conditions, and
operational safety considerations. Common techniques include vessel-based spraying operations, containment booms, skimmers, shoreline protection booms, and absorbent materials. Each method is applied as appropriate to ensure a safe, effective and timely response.
This C-130 oil spill response exercise was carried out through strong collaboration between more than 25 government and private agencies, both domestic and international, including Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC), Oil Industry Environmental Safety Group Association (IESG), PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), PTTEP Energy Development Company Limited (PTTEP ED), Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Limited, PTT Public Company Limited, Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), the Royal Thai Navy, Marine Department, Department of Mineral Fuels, Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, Customs Department, Pollution Control Department, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, among others.
This exercise reflects the commitment of petroleum industry operators to placing the highest priority on safety, upholding responsibility to communities and the environment, and maintaining strict compliance with Thai laws, regulations as well as international standards.
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