Rayong fishing groups sue Star Petroleum over oil spill devastation

A group of 14 individuals hailing from Rayong, 2qmate release of 50,000 liters of crude oil into the Gulf of Thailand, besmirching the shores of Rayong.

The province’s Fisheries Office reports a toll of at least 2,600 fishermen affected by this calamity. Beyond the depletion of fish stocks in the area, the contamination rendered the remaining catch unsalvageable.

Subsequent to the disaster, local fishermen have found it unfeasible to sustain themselves. Their customary fishing yields from the Rayong coastline have notably dwindled. Many have resorted to extending their maritime excursions or ceasing fishing operations entirely.

“14 Rayong residents sue SPRC over 2022 oil spill, seeking compensation for livelihood losses.”

Lamom Boonyong, president of the Pak Nam Ban Rao fishing community, elucidated that the lawsuit extends beyond the culpability of the oil spill’s perpetrator. Five additional entities stand accused of contravening environmental safeguarding statutes.

Representing diverse factions comprising over 800 members collectively, the plaintiffs aim to establish a precedent with their litigation.

Should the verdict favor their cause, it could pave the way for compensation claims by remaining members, potentially entailing a financial burden of approximately 240 million baht for the implicated company, as per Bangkok Post.

Furthermore, these groups implore governmental intervention to facilitate the restoration of the local marine ecosystem. The Civil Court is slated to review the lawsuit on May 17th.