The beautiful beaches of Phuket, a favored tourist spot for Finns and others, are now tainted by oil, which has entered the ecosystem after a freighter sank in the Indian Ocean on February 7. Reports from local news outlets, along with data from the Bangkok Post and the Straits Times citing AFP, indicate that approximately 1,700 liters of oil have leaked into the ocean from the vessel, which was on its way to Bangladesh under a Panama flag when it sank.

Oil has washed ashore in several places, notably on Ya Nui Beach and smaller islands in Phuket province, with visible patches of oil reported on Koh Hey island's shores. Koh Hey is renowned for its clear turquoise waters and snorkeling opportunities, making the spill particularly concerning for both the environment and local tourism economy. Cleaning efforts have begun on the island to try and mitigate the damage caused by the spill.

Local political representatives have expressed alarm over the incident, highlighting the ongoing risks to marine wildlife and coastal reefs from the continuing oil leak. Chalermpong Saengdee, a local politician, noted the spill's impact is alarming because it follows a two-week timeframe without improvement. The long-term effects on the ecosystem and the local economy, especially given Phuket's reliance on tourism, are still unfolding and require urgent attention from authorities and environmental groups alike.