"Ministry of Labour" is the subject. Updates on the progress of assistance. "23 Thai crew members". In Oman, while the company confirms that every crew member will receive full wages.
On 14 March 2026, Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and spokesperson for the ministry, reported on the progress of assisting Thai workers in the Middle East and specifically the 23 Thai crew members in Oman. Currently, approximately 67,047 Thai workers are employed and residing in the Middle East region, with 977 having expressed their intention through the embassy to return to Thailand.
So far, 72 workers have returned, and 9 more from Bahrain are awaiting return scheduled for tomorrow (15 March 2026). Regarding assistance to the 23 Thai crew members from the incident involving the Thai cargo ship Mayuree Naree attacked in Oman, the Ministry of Labour has coordinated the following support.
1. Coordination with the shipping company to assist the 23 crew members.
The Ministry of Labour, through the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, has contacted Precious Flowers Company, owner of the Mayuree Naree ship, to learn about the support provided to 20 Thai crew members after their safe rescue from the ship. The company arranged for all crew members to stay at the Diwan Al Amir Hotel in Muscat, Oman, providing single rooms, meals, medical supplies, and necessary clothing.
Additionally, all crew members have continuous access to phones to communicate with their families in Thailand. One crew member sustained a hand injury and is currently receiving medical treatment locally, having since returned to the hotel.
Furthermore, the company has arranged online mental health and counseling services with licensed Thai psychologists and counselors to support crew members individually upon request.
Mr. Santi added that the remaining three crew members still on the ship are currently being rescued by officials. The Ministry of Labour and related agencies are closely coordinating to ensure their safety and assist further.
2. Monitoring compensation rights for the crew members.
The company confirms that all crew members will receive full wages, including special compensation for working in a war zone according to relevant international laws, from the start of employment until their return to Bangkok. Wages will be deposited monthly into each crew member’s bank account as usual.
Regarding personal property left on the ship, the company will fully compensate each crew member for damages within an appropriate timeframe. The company also reaffirms its commitment to maintaining all crew employment and is ready to reinstate them immediately when they are prepared and willing to return to work.
3. Facilitating the return travel of the assisted crew members.
The Ministry of Labour, through the Labour Office in Abu Dhabi, is working closely with the embassies in Abu Dhabi and Muscat to facilitate necessary documentation so that all assisted crew members can safely return to Thailand. Currently, all 20 crew members have the required documents and are scheduled to return on Monday, 16 March.
4. Visiting families to provide encouragement and support to all 23 crew members' families.
The Ministry of Labour has assigned provincial labour officers and affiliated agencies to visit and encourage the families and relatives of all 23 Thai crew members. This ensures families are promptly informed of the ministry’s assistance and verifies all legal entitlements the crew should receive from their employer.
The Ministry of Labour is coordinating closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Marine Department, and other relevant agencies to continue ensuring the crew members receive their rightful benefits.