Father tearfully recounts the situation. “Note” One of three crew members “Mayuree Naree” who went missing, called his mother before losing contact. His fate remains unknown. Relatives and neighbors have prayed to sacred entities for help while his wife is urgently coordinating with relevant agencies.
On 12 Mar 2026 GMT+7, following the attack on the Thai-flagged cargo ship “Mayuree Naree” in the Strait of Hormuz on 11 Mar 2026 GMT+7, reports confirmed that 20 crew members were safely rescued by the Omani Navy, but three remain missing. Thai authorities are actively searching for them.
The names of the three missing crew members were revealed: Kiat Sak Pawaphuchak, an electrician; Phanupong Muentan, a ship mechanic; and Chawalit Chaiwong, a mechanic.
Reporters visited the home of mechanic Chawalit Chaiwong in Yok Krabat Subdistrict, Sam Ngao District, Tak Province, where they met Mr. Songklod Chaiwong, the village headman of Village 12 and father of Chawalit. Many relatives and neighbors were there offering support to the family and awaiting news.
Through tears, Mr. Songklod shared that his son is married and has a family. He has worked with a shipping company for five years since after the COVID-19 pandemic as an assistant engine mechanic, earning over 30,000 baht monthly. He regularly sent money home to his parents and wife. One or two days before the incident, he called his mother saying he was delivering goods to India, but then lost contact. Later, they learned the Thai cargo ship was attacked by Iran, and their son is missing with his fate unknown.
After the incident, relatives went to pray and make sacred vows at Wat Phra Boromthat Ban Tak, a revered temple, asking for protection from all dangers for their son.
Meanwhile, Chawalit’s wife is communicating with the embassy to verify the list of casualties and injured, with Omani authorities currently assisting.
Earlier this morning, Mr. Chusak Ruying, Governor of Tak Province, assigned Mr. Boonliam Takham, Sam Ngao District Chief, along with Ms. Uthaiwan Srisupornrojana, Tak Province labor officer, and Mr. Worachet Thiood, Yok Krabat Subdistrict headman, to visit the family and offer support.
Mr. Daeng Malikaew, former village headman of Song Khwae Pattana and father-in-law of Chawalit, known as “Nong Note,” said that 20 years ago he worked at this shipping company as head cook for many years before retiring and serving as village headman. After his daughter married Nong Note, both wanted to work and save money for their future. Nong Note trained for two years and then started working at the company on Mr. Daeng’s recommendation. Several neighbors also work at this shipping company, with some in managerial positions earning around 100,000 baht monthly. When Mr. Daeng worked there, the company had eight ships; now it operates about 70 vessels transporting goods worldwide.