Thai Tanker Successfully Passes Through Strait of Hormuz
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANGKOK – A Thai tanker has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz safely after diplomatic talks with Iran. The tanker, owned by Bangchak Corporation, passed through Hormuz on Monday.
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Iran’s ambassador to Thailand outlined the chronology of the diplomatic discussions between the two sides.
“I asked if, when Thai vessels need to pass through the strait, they could help ensure a safe journey?” Sihasak told reporters on Tuesday evening (24/3/2026).
“They responded that they would handle it and asked us to provide the names of the vessels that would pass,” he said.
The war between the US and Israel against Iran has effectively severed about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, causing major global disruptions.
Since the conflict began on 28 February, Thailand has faced surges in transportation costs and long queues at fuel stations, although the government has assured that supplies remain sufficient.
In its statement, Bangchak said its vessel, which had been anchored in the Persian Gulf since 11 March, is now en route back to Thailand. They attributed the success to coordination between Thailand’s foreign ministry and Iranian authorities.
The company and sources from Thailand’s foreign ministry stated that no payments were made. Iran has informed the UN Security Council and the International Maritime Organisation that “non-hostile” vessels can pass through the strait if they coordinate with Iranian authorities, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
To secure the passage of the Bangchak tanker, the Thai embassy in Muscat also collaborated with Omani authorities and coordinated with Iran through its embassy in Bangkok, according to a Thai foreign ministry source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
In a post on X, the Iranian embassy in Thailand stated that the Thai vessel’s journey reflects the close relations between the two countries.
“Friends have a special place,” the statement read.