Thailand has conducted its inaugural oil spill response exercise deploying a C-130 aircraft to simulate aerial dispersant operations in the Gulf of Thailand. Over 25 government and private agencies collaborated during the exercise, held from August 25 to 27, 2025, at U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport and the Royal Thai Naval Air Division in Ban Chang, Rayong Province.

The joint drill was led by the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC), Oil Industry Environmental Safety Group (IESG), PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) and its energy development arm (PTTEP ED), Chevron Thailand, PTT Public Company, and Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), alongside agencies such as the Royal Thai Navy, Marine Department, Department of Mineral Fuels, Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, Customs Department, Pollution Control Department, and Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.

The exercise aimed to advance readiness for swift, safe, and legally compliant oil spill interventions. As part of the simulation, freshwater was used in place of actual dispersant and sprayed over a designated sea area, allowing participating organizations to practice decision-making, method selection and interagency coordination under simulated emergent conditions.

This event marks Thailand’s first practical aerial spraying drill using a C-130 aircraft sourced from overseas to support training. Authorities emphasised that aerial spraying is a critical tool for rapid reach to spill sites, enabling containment and mitigation in areas beyond boat reach and preventing further spread of pollutants. The exercise also aimed to foster mutual understanding across participating entities of coordination protocols for mobilising international expertise and equipment.

Participants noted that effective oil spill response demands agility in selecting appropriate techniques, deployment safety, and seamless interface among responders. Aerial spraying is one among multiple response methods—including vessel-based spraying, containment booms, skimmers, shoreline booms and absorbent materials—each applied based on oil type, volume, and environmental conditions.

Officials described the exercise as a demonstration of the petroleum industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship, community safety and adherence to both Thai law and international standards. The drill reinforces the country’s ambition to elevate its oil spill response capabilities through interagency cooperation and technical readiness.

Looking ahead, authorities intend to incorporate lessons from this exercise into refining response protocols, investing in aerial assets, and strengthening coordination between domestic and international actors in maritime pollution incidents.