Three crew members of the Mayuree Naree vessel filed a lawsuit against their employer at the Central Labor Court, claiming unfair dismissal and demanding damages after being diagnosed with PTSD, which has made normal life impossible following a ship attack in the Strait of Hormuz.
At the Central Labor Court on Rama IV Road at 10:00 a.m. on 10 July, lawyer Kantphat Singthong accompanied Mayuree Naree crew members Panithi Tumkaew, 42, Nopadol Wongsuwan, 33, and Suradet Maenpoon, 32, to file a lawsuit against Precious Shipping Public Company Limited (PSL), Precious Flowers Company Limited, owner of the Mayuree Naree vessel (M/V Mayuree Naree), Great Circle Shipping Agency Company Limited, and Captain Sataporn Hoksi. They accused them of violations for exposing employees to dangerous conditions and demanded damages for illness and future inability to work under Sections 420 and 425 of the Civil and Commercial Code.
Lawyer Kantphat explained that the crew filed the lawsuit because they were not treated fairly regarding the impact of navigating the ship through the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in fatalities. The three crew members have been medically diagnosed with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), a mental health condition triggered by traumatic events, requiring considerable time for recovery. Previous negotiations with the shipping company failed as the company denied responsibility, thus they must rely on the court to determine appropriate protections, including medical costs, expenses, and the damages they have suffered.
Kantphat added that, based on their condition, the three are unlikely to be able to continue working as regular crew members due to stress from the shooting incident on 21 March and a fear of loud noises, which threatens their ability to maintain their careers. The company has paid them income compensation for only two months, February and March, and terminated their contracts in April. The company considers this payment sufficient, but the employment contract was for nine months, so the crew should receive severance pay according to the full contract period.
Panithi stated he has worked with the employer since 2015 for 11 years, always receiving his salary as per contract. The company terminated his contract to allow him to rest and receive treatment, as PTSD affects his daily life with anxiety and fear of loud noises. He remains under continuous medical supervision and is unable to start new employment.
After receiving the complaint, the court registered it as civil case no. R 2990/2569 and scheduled the dispute hearing for 28 September at 9:00 a.m.