Twenty crew members of the “Mayuree Naree” have arrived in Thailand. The shipping company avoided meeting the media, escorting them directly onto a bus to a hotel. Meanwhile, two crew families missed the chance to see them because they intended to pick them up only after hearing they were safe. They arrived today and admitted concerns about compensation, fearing the company might abandon them. They also prayed for the safety of the remaining three crew members.
At 07:00 on 16 March 2026 at Suvarnabhumi Airport, one of the wives of a “Mayuree Naree” crew member told reporters she last contacted her husband when he boarded the plane back to Thailand. She said his mental state was not fully recovered, as he still did not know what the future held. She explained that to receive wages, he must work on the ship, but returning home means he will not be paid.
She said she had not seen the employment contract but that her husband had worked for the company for five years. When the ship was about to pass the Strait of Hormuz, he told her he was unsure whether to wait or continue traveling, unsure if the decision came from the company or the captain. He said the company planned to house them in a hotel in Dubai but could not guarantee safety due to ongoing bombings, nor did they know when they could fly back to Thailand. He also doubted whether they would be paid while staying at the hotel. She believed her husband was not the only one thinking this way, as no one wants to risk their life, and everyone has families waiting. She herself has a child only 1 year and 3 months old.
When asked about the three crew members still on the ship, the wife said she could not help because shifts had changed at that time, and she did not know details. She wished they would return soon. The Mayuree Naree ship was transporting goods from India to the UAE. Before the conflict, the ship sailed normally. Near Dubai, war broke out, so the ship anchored there to assess the situation before continuing to the UAE. After delivering the cargo, it planned to return to India via the Strait of Hormuz. That is why the ship was empty on the return journey, only going to pick up cargo in India. She appealed to social media not to blame the crew, who are just employees with families relying on them. Her husband had only returned to work on the ship three months ago, on the previous vessel of the same company.
Asked why the ship sailed through the Strait of Hormuz despite escalating conflict and Iran’s announcement to close it, the wife said she followed the news and knew that ships flying the Thai flag were allowed to pass. However, she was uncertain why the company had confidence in sailing through such dangerous waters. She noted all navigation requires documentation. Nonetheless, she demanded that the company care for the crew even after their return, as sailing in a war zone is abnormal. She urged the company to clarify compensation because the situation remains uncertain.
Reporters also spoke with another family from Tak Province who came to receive their son. The older sister said her brother sent a message reporting the ship was bombed, but he escaped and was safe. She was initially shocked and very worried but relieved to learn he was unharmed.
The mother revealed her son had just graduated and was interning on this company’s ship for over a month. He told her he was very scared when the explosion hit the ship. She thought he might not survive since he worked in the engine room. Regarding the three still aboard, her son said they had not been found that day. She shared that she and a senior colleague who was also in the engine room worked together daily. Her son said that colleague was a good mentor. The shooting occurred just five minutes after a shift change, when her son went to eat, and then the ship was hit. She said if the shift change had not occurred, her son might have been the one trapped aboard. She continues to pray for the safety of the three remaining crew, who live like brothers and understand the pain of those waiting.
When asked if she would allow her son to continue working on ships, the mother said he studied this field directly, and it is the profession his father has done for 20–30 years. It is a career her son wishes to follow. Without income from this job, he could not have completed his education, and he enjoys the work. But after this incident, she does not know what will happen. Regarding compensation from the shipping company, the family is uncertain and must wait for her son to become an official employee, as he is currently just an intern.
The new family showed chat messages from their son communicating up to boarding the plane, arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, and boarding the waiting bus. After all 20 crew collected their luggage, the company led them to exit gate 6 to board the bus, avoiding media contact awaiting a press conference. Both families were saddened they could not meet their husbands and sons, having traveled from provinces specifically to welcome them home, and expressed frustration at missing the reunion.
Additionally, one crew wife appealed for compensation and support for families. She said her husband had to take out loans and finance his car to afford the job. Previously, after boarding the ship, the captain lost the crew’s Seaman Book (seafarer identity document).