AYUTTAYA — A spokesperson for the company that owns the sugar barge that sank in the Chao Praya river earlier this month has urged the government and media to consider the benefits of the disaster, specifically the “vast improvement” to the flavor of the River of Kings.
Speaking on behalf of Alpha Marine Supply Co LTD, vice-president of PR Boonsawat Chaiyapom said that while the sinking of the 500-ton boat and the subsequent loss of its 190,000-ton sugar cargo was “unfortunate,” the benefits of a great-tasting river might outweigh the damage.
“For residents along the riverside, at least those who don’t own fish stocks, the release of so much wonderful Thai-grown sugar into their water supply has an immediate positive impact,” Boonsawat said. “They can use it to make pre-sweetened tea or coffee, for example.”
Despite causing an estimated ฿350 million in damage through dead fish stocks and blocked river traffic, Alpha Marine suggests that people take advantage of the “opportunity of a lifetime” and stock up on the sweetened Chao Praya water.
“It’s free sugar, basically,” explained Boonsawat. “And Thais love sweets, so what’s the problem?”
To demonstrate the deliciousness of the altered river water, Boonsawat drank a cup of brown liquid himself in front of reporters, although the source could not be verified.
He declined a second cup of river water presented to him by angry locals, claiming he was “full.”
