Thai Government Summons Iranian Ambassador After Thai-Flagged Tanker Hit by Missiles in Strait of Hormuz

Thailand has formally summoned Iran’s Ambassador following an attack on a Thai-flagged bulk carrier, Mayuree Naree, which was struck by projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz last Wednesday. The incident resulted in three crew members missing and triggered strong diplomatic protests from Bangkok.

The bulk carrier was transiting a vital shipping lane after departing from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates. According to reports from Thai shipping company Precious Shipping, the vessel was hit by two projectiles on Wednesday morning, causing an explosion and severe fire in the engine room.

“Three crew members are reported missing and are believed to be trapped in the engine room,” the company stated in an official statement.

Precious Shipping Executive Director Khalid Hashim confirmed to AFP on Thursday that search efforts remain stalled. “Unfortunately, the situation remains the same. We have still been unable to deploy anyone aboard our vessel, although the fire has been extinguished. We are attempting various methods to gain access to the ship,” he explained via email.

Of the 23 crew members aboard, all Thai nationals, 20 were successfully evacuated using lifeboats and rescued by the Omani Navy.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed on Wednesday that they attacked the Mayuree Naree as well as a Liberian-flagged vessel in the strait. Iran justified the attacks by stating that the ships had ignored “warnings” issued to them.

In response to the attack on the commercial vessel, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry stated that all Thai ships have now left the Strait of Hormuz area. Deputy Ministry Spokesperson Panidol Patchimsawat emphasised that the government has lodged an official protest.

“Please be assured that we are on a mission to find the three missing persons,” Panidol told reporters on Thursday.

The attack on Mayuree Naree was one of six assaults on vessels in this vital shipping lane within the past two days. Since the United States and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February triggered conflict in the Middle East, the Islamic Republic has begun launching retaliatory strikes against its oil-exporting neighbours.

This conflict threatens maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway through which one-fifth of global oil supplies passes, and has plunged the world’s energy economy into deepening crisis.