The Center for the Administration and Monitoring of the Middle East Conflict (ศบก.) emphasized Thailand's highest-level protest, demanding Iran issue an apology and clarify the facts after the shooting of a Thai cargo ship. It was revealed that the Prime Minister and Minister Sihasak spoke with Oman's Foreign Minister, expressing gratitude for their assistance.
On 13 March 2026 at the Government House, the Center for the Administration and Monitoring of the Middle East Conflict (ศบก.) held a daily press briefing. Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Information Department and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported on the Middle East situation and progress in assisting Thai nationals. Regarding the Thai cargo ship incident in the Strait of Hormuz, on 12 March 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Iran's Ambassador to Thailand. The Thai side lodged the highest-level protest over the violent incident involving the Thai-flagged ship and crew, demanding Iran issue a public apology and clarify the facts. Thailand hopes such incidents will not recur. The Iranian Ambassador expressed regret and said he would report Thailand's highest-level protest to his capital.
Mr. Panidol stated that Thailand also strongly reiterated concerns over the escalating situation in the region, calling on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint, return to diplomatic negotiations, and prioritize the utmost safety of innocent civilians.
Mr. Panidol said that on the evening of 12 March 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs held a telephone discussion with Oman's Foreign Minister, with the Prime Minister also listening in. The Foreign Minister thanked Oman for promptly assisting the Thai crew and requested Oman to expedite the search and aid for the remaining three Thai crew members. Oman's Foreign Minister confirmed Oman’s full readiness to assist and hoped to locate the three crew members soon.
Mr. Panidol stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat, Oman, continue to closely coordinate with Omani authorities and relevant agencies to monitor progress in search and rescue operations. He reassured the public that Thai agencies are doing everything possible to find and assist the three crew members swiftly, emphasizing that the safety of Thai citizens is the highest priority.
Mr. Panidol said that regarding the status of the 20 Thai crew members, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed that the shipowner will transport them by car from the town of Qasab, Oman, to Muscat airport for their return to Thailand. The Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat has issued emergency passports to all 20 crew members. It is expected they will depart Qasab soon. Their route will pass through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before re-entering Oman. The Royal Thai Embassies in Muscat and Abu Dhabi, along with the Consulate General in Dubai, have coordinated with host country authorities to facilitate the crew's border crossings until they can board flights back to Thailand.
Mr. Panidol said that developments in the Middle East remain violent and tense overall, although some parties have signaled willingness to end the conflict, each with their own conditions. Iran’s Supreme Leader issued his first statement since taking office, warning that unless U.S. bases are closed, Iran will continue attacks on U.S. and Israeli bases in the region and maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to pressure opponents. Recent reports indicate Iran has laid naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz and continues attacks on ships off the UAE coast, disrupting oil transportation and prompting discussions on measures to control the situation in the area.
Mr. Panidol said that on the afternoon of the same day, a special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting on the Middle East situation, initiated by Thailand, will take place to discuss the situation and its regional impact, exchange approaches to response, and ASEAN’s long-term preparedness. After the meeting, the Foreign Minister will hold a press conference around 14:30 to summarize the outcomes.
Mr. Panidol said that regarding assistance to Thai nationals in the area, for Iran, the second group of evacuees departed safely. The first group of 34 arrived in Thailand on 12 March 2026, and the second group of 30 has also safely arrived. Embassies and consulates continue to facilitate, provide advice, coordinate with airlines, and supply essential items to Thai nationals wishing to return from areas where flights remain operational. They are also coordinating with authorities in countries whose airspace is still closed to arrange border passage permits, enabling Thai nationals to travel to neighboring countries for onward air travel back to Thailand or third countries.