They first measured where the most oil spills occurred in correlation to the number of boats transporting oil, and the majority of the resources were located (5). Other tools used were government-issued prevention plans, integrated coastal zones, and geographic information system (GIS). GIS was used to map each providence’s boundary line, including their marine boundary, which was 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) off their coastline. All of this data was then used in an equation, and resulted in the providence’s average percentage risk …show more content…
Seven providences in Zone 2 are used more frequently for transporting oil and thus, higher boat traffic and risk (5). Zones 2 and 3 encompass coral reefs, mangroves, and many species of aquatic animals that could suffer significantly as the result of an oil spill, but Zone 3 has a higher risk due to crude oil refineries nearby, and records of past leaks. It also contains the main route through the Chaopraya River to the important ports of Khlongtoei and Phuket (5). Phuket is not only used for oil, but also fisheries and tourism. Zone 4 surrounds the mouth of the Gulf of Thailand, which houses the majority of ports receiving imported goods and exporting oil. Most of Thailand’s past spills occurred here