Thai Minister says marine life in oil-hit Rayong safe for consumption

RAYONG, Thailand, August 4 (TNA) – Thai Natural Resources and Environment Minister Wichet Kasemthongsri inspected the sea tainted with oil slick around Koh Samet in the eastern resort province of Rayong for the second time Sunday and confirmed that marine life in the area is still safe for human consumption. Expressing his concerns to affected fishermen and a drop in sales of seafood by restaurant operators following the oil leak accident which took place on July 27, Wichet ate a boiled crab to show journalists that it is safe to eat seafood in Rayong. He said a scientific study has been conducted and it found that marine life is not affected from the oil leak. In an effort to restore tourists’ confidence, Rayong Governor Vichit Chartpaisit said his province would organise a ‘Big Cleaning Day’ on Koh Samet, one of the most popular resort islands in the province, on August 10. Entertainment programmes will be held in the evening of that day. Bowon Vongsinudom, president of PTT Global Chemical Public Co., Ltd., said staff of PTT Public Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary firms plan to stay at bungalows or rented houses on Koh Samet during the upcoming long weekend holidays to assist the operators who have been affected from the accident. August 12 is the public holiday in Thailand to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s 81st birthday. (TNA)