The Rayong Provincial Court dismissed the lawsuit on Monday (Dec 22) that was filed by a small-scale fisheries association in Rayong and 832 fishermen, reports the Bangkok Post.
The court ruled that the plaintiffs lacked legal standing to demand court-ordered environmental rehabilitation and said the evidence failed to prove the spill caused losses to marine resources or income damage as claimed.
The plaintiffs had asked the court to compel the defendants to restore marine ecosystems, breeding grounds, and coastal environments, while also seeking substantial damages under the Environmental Quality Promotion and Preservation Act 1992.
However, the court said no law empowered the plaintiffs to bring such a claim in this form, though it noted they retain the right to appeal.
On whether the defendants were liable for individual damage claims, the court acknowledged that Star Petroleum Refining was in possession of hazardous crude oil and could be held responsible if it was proven that the spill harmed the fishermen’s livelihoods.
However, the court found no convincing evidence to support the plaintiffs’ assertions. It said there was no reliable data showing reductions in marine species, income losses, or tourism decline attributable to the spill.
Scientific assessments by Chulalongkorn University marine experts also indicated no measurable drop in marine abundance, species diversity, or breeding capacity linked to the incident, the ruling said.
The court further ruled that the company’s use of chemical dispersants was conducted under state-approved procedures and thus did not constitute unlawful action, while the PTTGC bore no operational responsibility over the offshore buoy system where the spill occurred.
Accordingly, the court dismissed the case and ordered that the litigation costs be borne as per procedure.
However, the association and affected fishermen announced they will appeal to seek justice and reaffirm community rights to protect and rehabilitate Rayong’s marine environment.