Authorities are racing against time to prevent further damage in the Gulf of Thailand after an oil spill from a small tanker that sunk in Samut Sakhon province.
Marine officials use Teepol solution and oil absorbent pads to contain an oil spill along the coast of the Tha Chin River in Samut Sakhon province. A vessel carrying furnace oil caused the spill after it capsized on Monday. Photos by Thanarak Khoonton.
Provincial governor Arthit Boonyasophat said on Wednesday that the oil slick had reached a fishermen's village and mangrove forest on the coast 40 kilometres from Bangkok.
But he says workers have already scooped up 75% of the 1,500 litres of oil and are working hard to finish the cleanup before further damage is done.
Mr Arthit says water seeped into the engine room of the medium-sized boat, causing it to capsize Monday.
Authorities are trying to salvage the sunken boat. It sank about 4 kilometres from the coast.