Armed forces chiefs discuss Middle East situation as Navy tracks efforts to help three stranded Thai seafarers
The Royal Thai Navy says it is coordinating—through naval diplomacy and with Oman’s navy—to assist three Thai crew still stranded on the cargo vessel Mayuree Naree near the Strait of Hormuz, while expanding monitoring to all Thailand-linked ships.
The armed forces chiefs have held discussions on the Middle East conflict, as the Royal Thai Navy continues to coordinate assistance for three Thai crew members still stranded on the Thai cargo vessel Mayuree Naree following an attack near the Strait of Hormuz.
Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, said on Friday, after meeting relatives of the crew, that the Navy is focusing on coordinating help for the three remaining Thai seafarers through naval diplomatic channels. He said there is no naval attaché office in the area, so the Navy is relying on the relationship between the Royal Thai Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.
He noted that the lead agency for assistance is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but the Navy will continue to support coordination efforts.
Parach said Thai authorities had previously warned relevant agencies—including government bodies such as the Energy Ministry and the private sector—that the Strait of Hormuz was a high-risk area amid rising tensions, and had advised caution.
On questions around shipping insurance, he said he was not personally familiar with the details, but noted that in a conflict situation, shipping companies would need to consult with insurers.
He reiterated that the Navy has broadened its monitoring and duty-of-care to three groups of vessels:
- Thai-flagged ships
- Thai-owned ships registered overseas
- Foreign-flagged ships carrying Thai crew
Parach added that at Royal Thai Navy headquarters, a meeting of service commanders was held earlier in the day. He said the morning discussions among the armed forces chiefs and senior commanders were expected to include an assessment of the Middle East conflict and updates on efforts to assist Thai crew members.
