The crisis center does not confirm reports of two crew deaths, expecting progress today. Attention is on Sihasak’s phone call to thank the Omani foreign minister. Meanwhile, the Thai Navy reports no Thai vessels remain in the Strait of Hormuz now that all have departed from the area.
At 11:00 on 12 March 2026, the Center for Management and Monitoring of the Conflict Situation in the Middle East (Crisis Center) announced progress in assisting the Thai cargo ship crew whose vessel was damaged at the stern while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Information Department and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat, immediately and continuously coordinated overnight with the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies to assist the Thai crew. The Omani Navy successfully rescued all 20 crew members and brought them ashore at Khasab. All are safe and a team is searching for the remaining three missing crew. The embassy contacted the ship’s captain by phone and confirmed that none of the 20 crew were seriously injured, though their mental health requires care. Local company representatives are staying at a hotel and will arrange counseling with a psychiatrist.
All Thai ships have now left the Strait of Hormuz.
Mr. Panidol added that the embassy is coordinating travel arrangements to visit the Thai crew and bring them back to Thailand, although travel must be by car due to a flight ban in the area. According to additional information from the Marine Department, all Thai-flagged ships have now exited the Strait of Hormuz with none remaining stranded. The public can be assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urgently coordinating the search and rescue of the three missing crew members and is caring for those already assisted. The Ministry will continue closely monitoring and verifying the facts of the incident.
Issued a statement expressing concern.
Diplomatically, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a second statement on the Middle East situation, strongly emphasizing concern over the crisis escalating due to Israeli and U.S. attacks and Iran’s responses. Respect for the UN Charter and international law, including protection of civilians and infrastructure, is especially important now. Thailand calls on all parties to exercise utmost restraint, immediately de-escalate tensions, and return to negotiations to prevent further deterioration and threats to regional and global stability. The statement also condemns violence against commercial vessels and expresses concern over this matter.
Expressing thanks to Oman for assisting Thai crew.
This morning (12 March 2026), the Minister of Foreign Affairs invited the Iranian ambassador to Thailand for discussions to clarify the facts of the incident. This evening, Mr. Sihasak will hold a telephone conversation with the Omani foreign minister to thank him for assisting the Thai crew and to follow up on the progress regarding the three missing crew members.
ASEAN foreign ministers discuss the situation.
Mr. Panidol added that tomorrow (13 March) a special ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting on the Middle East situation will be held to discuss the situation and its impact on ASEAN, as well as exchange views on response measures and ASEAN’s long-term preparedness. The meeting will reaffirm ASEAN’s unity and central role in addressing crises affecting the region.
Thai repatriations near completion.
Regarding assistance to Thai nationals in the area, the second group of evacuees from Iran has arrived in Turkey and will return to Thailand in two groups: 34 people traveled this morning, mostly workers, and another group is scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning. The Thai embassy in Tehran has temporarily relocated its operations to a temporary center in Van, Turkey, and remains in close contact with Thais in Iran who do not wish to return, ready to facilitate their travel if requested.
Thailand protests Iran’s use of violence.
Mr. Panidol reiterated Thailand’s protest against the use of violence against commercial vessels and expressed concern over this issue. He emphasized that the safety of Thai citizens in the Middle East is the highest priority. Regarding foreign media reports that Iranian forces issued multiple warnings to cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Mr. Panidol said clarity must come from the Iranian ambassador. After receiving such reports, the Ministry instructed the Thai embassy in Oman to promptly coordinate with the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which kindly arranged for the navy to assist 20 Thai crew members. The search for the three missing crew continues with urgency.
Regarding the type of weapon that attacked the Thai cargo ship—whether it was a mine or other—the information is still under investigation. It is known that damage occurred at the stern near the engine room, where the three missing crew members were located.
No confirmed reports of crew deaths.
Some media outlets have reported that two Thai crew members have died, but there is no confirmed report. It is best to follow official updates to avoid misinformation. This concerns the safety of the three missing crew, which is the top concern. Full efforts are underway, and any progress will be promptly reported. Foreign media reports that the three missing crew were in the engine room at the stern that was attacked align with current information. After the Omani navy’s intervention today, clearer details are expected.
Emphasizing commercial vessels follow guidance.
Regarding additional government measures for commercial vessels at risk amid ongoing conflict, Mr. Panidol said the navy is managing the situation and has issued warnings advising vessels on proper conduct in the area. Vessels are urged to strictly follow navy recommendations. There have been five warnings issued. Cooperation is requested. The latest navy report confirms all Thai-flagged ships have now exited the dangerous area.