Oil Tanker Runs Aground on Songkhla Beach Due to Rough Seas
An empty oil tanker ran aground at Dee Luang Beach in Songkhla province early on November 12, 2026, following severe weather conditions in the Gulf of Thailand.
On the morning of November 12, 2026, an oil tanker identified as the 'N. Ratchapreuk' ran aground off the coast of Dee Luang Beach in the Sathing Phra district of Songkhla province. According to reports from Khaosod Online, the incident occurred around 4:00 AM after the vessel encountered high waves exceeding three meters in the Gulf of Thailand. The tanker was reportedly empty and en route to Bangkok at the time of the incident, with four crew members on board. Local authorities, including the Marine Police and the Songkhla Regional Marine Office, were notified and have coordinated a response to the scene. Initial assessments indicate that there has been no environmental impact on the coastline. While the exact cause of the grounding remains under investigation, officials suspect that the vessel was unable to withstand the intense sea conditions. The Southern Meteorological Center (East Coast) had previously issued warnings regarding strong winds and waves of two to three meters in the lower Gulf of Thailand, with even higher waves expected in areas experiencing thunderstorms. Residents and travelers in the area are advised to monitor local weather updates as authorities continue to manage the situation and assess the vessel's condition.
