{
  "id": 7962016,
  "title": "Oil leak found beneath Bangkok’s Rama 3 Road; companies ordered to repair pipeline",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/oil-leak-found-beneath-bangkoks-rama-3-road-companies-ordered-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T06:03:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Khaosod English",
    "slug": "khaosod-english",
    "url": "https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/bangkok/2026/09/17/oil-leak-found-beneath-bangkoks-rama-3-road-companies-ordered-to-repair-pipeline/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "BANGKOK — On the 17th of September, 2026, Thai authorities discovered oil leaking from a pipeline located underground on an elevated part of Rama 3 Road. The responsible companies were instructed to repair the pipeline, inspect the entire 32-kilometer network, and replace or reroute sections identified as high-risk. Thitiphat Chotdechachainant, secretary to the energy minister, reported that the leak was discovered during an investigation into oil contamination in drains and surrounding areas near Chuea Phloeng Road, situated beneath the Rama 3 overpass. Preliminary excavation revealed an underground cavity and oil-contaminated water within an old drainage system, prompting officials to broaden their search area to uncover the leak's origin. The inspection confirmed oil seepage from an oil pipeline along Rama 3 Road, according to the official. BPT and Bangchak Fuel Pipeline and Logistics Co. Ltd., or BFPL, part of the Bangchak Group, both hold the rights for the pipeline and operate the system, respectively. The Department of Energy Business has mandated the companies to assume full responsibility for any damage resulting from the leak and adhere to directives to resolve the issue and avert future incidents. The operators are required to swiftly locate and repair the damaged or faulty section of pipeline, and submit maintenance and repair records to the department. This data will be utilized to pinpoint the issue's cause and evaluate risks within the system. Following the completion of repairs, the companies must perform a pigging test — an internal examination of the pipeline — along the 32-kilometer pipeline route to identify any additional leaks or irregularities. If inspectors detect another leak or anomaly, testing must cease immediately to examine and repair the affected section before resuming operations. Additionally, the companies must devise plans to replace damaged portions and reroute pipelines in high-risk areas, especially where the pipeline traverses bridge piers or similar structures, as per the official announcement.",
  "summary": "BANGKOK — 17 September 2026, Thai officials have found oil seeping from a pipeline beneath an elevated section of Rama 3 Road and ordered the companies responsible for the system to repair it, test the full 32-kilometre line and replace or reroute high-risk sections. Thitiphat Chotdechachainant, secretary to the energy minister, said Wednesday that the […] The post Oil leak found beneath…",
  "key_points": [
    "Thai authorities discovered oil leak on Rama 3 Road on September 17, 2026",
    "Companies instructed to repair pipeline and inspect 32-kilometer network",
    "BPT and BFPL hold rights for pipeline, must resolve damage and prevent future incidents"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The oil leak discovery and subsequent repair order mark a significant escalation of regulatory oversight, putting pipeline operators BPT and BFPL on notice to prioritize system integrity and assume responsibility for damages.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bangkok Post",
        "title": "Bangkok oil leak confirmed from Bangchak pipeline",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/bangkok-oil-leak-confirmed-from-bangchak-pipeline",
        "published": "2026-09-17T05:28:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}