Police are looking for the owner of a vessel that ran aground on rocks off Trat province, spilling about two tonnes of allegedly untaxed products, mainly fresh food and meat, into the sea.
The cargo was abandoned and has since rotted, sending a foul smell drifting onshore.
Provincial marine authorities in Trat were alerted by residents of Village 1 in Ban Khlong Makham, Khlong Yai district, to a putrid odour affecting more than 10 kilometres of coastline.
The stench has affected at least five villages, as well as Khlong Yai Hospital.
Officials at the scene found large quantities of decomposing chicken, fish and other fresh food washed up along the shoreline.
The seawater has become polluted, while the surrounding area is blanketed in foul odour, raising public health concerns among residents.
Initial investigations revealed that the rotting cargo came from a small fishing vessel that sank off the coast of Khlong Yai district. It is believed to have been illegally transporting untaxed goods intended for sale in a neighbouring country.
When it encountered a maritime security patrol, the vessel attempted to flee but lost control and ran aground on rocks.
The impact and subsequent sinking sent more than two tonnes of fresh food into the sea. As no action was taken to recover the cargo, it was left to decay before drifting ashore.
Officials are now working to identify and locate the vessel’s owner for legal action.
They are also seeking support, including an airboat, to remove the debris and restore the affected coastal environment.
