The Navy spokesperson revealed that the 'Mayuree Naree' ship is still afloat in the combat zone, and the extent of its damage cannot yet be assessed. Using diplomatic relations, full assistance is being coordinated with the Omani Navy. Initially, three other vessels associated with Thai people remain in the risk area.
On 13 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiphan, Navy spokesperson, briefed the families of crew members still missing after the attack in the Strait of Hormuz. He said the Navy learned of the incident on the day it occurred via the automatic ship tracking system and monitored the movements of the vessels, including the 'Mayuree Naree,' which was already under close watch. Tracking data indicated the ship’s destination was toward the Indian Ocean, India.
The Navy has monitored the situation and alerted the Thai Shipowners’ Association and shipping companies that this period remains highly risky. They advised avoiding passage through the Strait of Hormuz. They also explained to the families of the missing that the Navy assessed the overall conflict in the area, capabilities, and risks, hence advising Thai shipping companies to avoid the region. This is part of the Navy’s duty.
After the incident, the Navy received reports from personnel stationed in Bahrain. They coordinated with the Navy officials there to contact the embassy in Muscat, Oman, to conduct inspection and provide assistance. The Thai Navy Commander expressed concern and directly contacted the Omani Navy Commander. Subsequently, the Omani Navy rescued the first group of 20 crew members who went ashore safely, with minor injuries. The embassy is facilitating their movement to return to Thailand.
The Thai Navy Commander reiterated to the Omani counterpart the request for further assistance to help three remaining stranded crew members. Over the past two days of coordination, the Omani Navy has shown strong commitment to assist and conduct operations. However, there are risk assessments as the Omani Navy is military, and the area is an active combat zone with the opposing side having closed the gulf. Thus, caution is necessary. It should be understood that the Omani Navy is not unwilling to help; they maintain good relations and have sent observers to monitor continuously, trying to remain neutral. Entry into the area requires greater cooperation, but so far, no further progress has been reported.
The Thai Navy has received updates that smoke is still visible from the 'Mayuree Naree' ship, but no other movements have been detected. Based on the ship’s coordinates, it is believed that after being attacked, the vessel did not drop anchor and has been drifting up and down with the water, heading toward the Persian Gulf. It continues to drift slowly southeast from the incident site, following currents and winds. It is confirmed that the 'Mayuree Naree' remains within the combat zone.
The Navy wants to encourage the families of the missing not to lose hope. Although the Thai Navy is not directly responsible and lacks the capacity to deploy forces into the combat zone, diplomatic relations are strong, and requests for help have been made. The Thai Navy is not idle; the Commander closely monitors the situation and cares deeply for the Thai people involved. If the families request additional actions that the Navy can undertake, they will act immediately.
Rear Admiral Parach further explained that images show damage to the ship’s hull near the waterline, which is concerning, as well as damage to the port side bow and the rear of the ship near the navigation bridge where smoke was seen. The rear section houses the main propulsion system, while the front is like a cargo hold without key systems. He informed the families that the two missing crew members were mechanical engineers, responsible for the main systems at the rear of the ship.
Regarding whether the ship could sink, Rear Admiral Parach explained that the attack struck a critical part of the vessel, so the damage extent cannot yet be fully assessed because internal damage is unseen and details about the attack type are lacking. Therefore, information is insufficient to evaluate how severely the ship is damaged.
"However, as of today, the ship remains buoyant because its flotation rate is high. It is believed that cargo has already been offloaded since much of the hull is above water. Since the ship is still afloat, there remains an opportunity to salvage it, which is a matter for the shipowner company to manage," he said.
Regarding other vessels in the Persian Gulf, Rear Admiral Parach said that currently, three types of ships related to Thailand are in the area: Thai-flagged vessels registered in Thailand, vessels owned by Thais but registered abroad, and foreign ships with Thai crew members. The Navy is concerned about all three groups. They found that three vessels remain in the Persian Gulf risk zone. The Navy has coordinated with shipping companies and advises that the situation remains risky. They recommend not moving or departing as long as the situation is unresolved. Currently, the Navy cannot escort the three ships out of the area.
Rear Admiral Parach also emphasized that since these waters are outside Thailand’s jurisdiction, the Navy can only assess the situation and issue warnings. They have no authority to manage operations there because it is outside Thai territorial waters. The Navy’s role is limited to providing warnings; navigation rights belong to the ship captains and owners.
Previously, the Navy issued its first warning on 24 Feb after assessing the situation, advising high-risk avoidance of the area. The second warning was on 2 Mar, and the third was a joint meeting invitation on 6 Mar, where company representatives met with Navy staff at the Naval Operations Department to review the situation and discuss emergency procedures and communication channels. The 'Mayuree Naree' company attended and raised questions, which the Navy addressed. The Navy understands the company also conducted its own risk assessments.
The Navy can only issue warnings and provide the most useful information but has no authority to command beyond Thai waters. On 10 Mar, the Navy issued another letter confirming the meeting outcomes of 6 Mar.
"We reaffirm that the Navy is not neglecting its duties. Although a small agency with limited capabilities, we use all possible means to assist Thai citizens in the affected area and will continue to do so. We acknowledge that multiple agencies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are also providing assistance," Rear Admiral Parach stated. He added that the Navy will promptly clarify facts whenever new information is received.