The leak, which occurred on Sunday near Thailand's famous resort beaches in Pattaya, has been contained by floating booms, a company statement said.

"The situation is under control now and the company affirms there will be no oil slick on the shores," it said.

The Japanese-registered Ryuho Maru was unloading 1.5 million barrels of crude from Oman to a buoy belonging to Thai Oil, the country's largest refinery, when the hose ruptured.

"The safety valve opened for five seconds during which about 20,000 litres leaked into the sea," the company said, adding that the oil transfer from the tanker had resumed by Monday.

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