Phuket beaches ‘safe’ for publicAuthorities deploy vessels to look for the containers that sank along with the ‘Sealloyd Arc’ cargo ship off the coast of Phuket on Feb 7. Achadthaya ChuenniranSeawater quality around Phuket remains safe for the public, with no oil contamination detected at five major beaches following the sinking of the Panama-flagged cargo ship SEALLOYD ARC earlier this month, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) says. Using OILMAP software, experts tracked the movement of oil slicks from the wreck site, officials said. The PCD’s third round of inspections at Rawai, Nai Harn, Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon beaches found no traces of oil in sand or seawater. Preliminary water quality results remain within Category 4 coastal standards, indicating the water is suitable for recreational activities such as swimming and water sports.

Source: Bangkok Post February 22, 2026 13:59 UTC