Thailand seeks over 12 million baht compensation for coral reef damage from cargo ship sinking

Published 6 June 2025

EMG

A Thai-based Khodsod English news outlet reported that a cargo ship that sank in Thailand damaged coral reefs and has demanded more than 12 million baht in compensation.

The Myanmar-flagged ship, weighing about 100 tons and carrying seven crew members, departed from the pier in Ranong District and was fully loaded with consumer goods and headed towards Myanmar.

While leaving, the crew noticed water leaking into the vessel's corridor, and the captain, U Aung Ngwe Soe, instructed the vessel to steer to the nearest shore.

The ship ran aground in Jak Bay, north of Mu Ko Surin, Khura Buri District in Phang Nga Province, and sank into the sea on June 1, with its cargo washed ashore. It was carrying 7,700 liters of diesel fuel for use on board, but there was no sign of any leakage into the sea.

Thai authorities are now investigating whether coral reefs in Mu Ko Surin National Park, near the site of the shipwreck, have been damaged or not. Divers from the park and the Royal Thai Navy were sent on Monday to inspect the condition of the coral reefs in the area where the cargo ship MV Ayar Linn sank and found damage, the Thai Maritime Command, which oversees the Andaman coast, said on Monday.

Mu Ko Surin National Park is one of the most diverse coral reefs and marine habitats in Thailand. The incident destroyed about 150 square meters of coral reef and six species of coral, Khodsod English reported, citing a statement by Charoenshunsa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation of Thailand.

In addition, the report states that along with cardboard, textiles, car tires, and rubber pipes, there were more than 3,000 cement bags on the ship and there are concerns that these items will fall off the ship, and that there are also environmental concerns if the cement bags fall off.

Regarding this process, the report further states that authorities are trying to contact the ship's owner, but have not been able to do so. The area where the coral reefs were damaged has been closed off for now and efforts are being made to restore it to its natural state.