The Navy Commander denies rumors that the U.S. requested to use U-Tapao Airport as a military base, appeals to Oman not to cancel assistance for three Thai crew members, thanks influencers for their goodwill, and explains that using jet skis to reach the Mayuree Naree vessel in the Strait of Hormuz is difficult due to its military strategic importance.
Around noon on 13 March 2026 GMT+7. Admiral Phairoj Fuangchan, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy. He gave an interview regarding the progress of assistance efforts for the Mayuree Naree vessel. Three crew members remain stranded on the ship following an attack in the area of the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that coordination has been ongoing with the Commander of Oman's Navy since the incident to expedite full assistance. Fortunately, the Royal Thai Navy had previously supported Oman's Navy during a shipbuilding study visit at the Marsan shipyard in Thailand. Other Middle Eastern countries have no conflicts with Thailand, and good cooperation was established with several nations at the allied naval commanders’ meeting last year, benefiting coordination for helping Thai nationals this time.
Regarding rumors that the United States requested to use U-Tapao Airport as a military base, Admiral Phairoj said that as of now, no such coordination has occurred. Normally, U-Tapao Airport is not used as a base for any country, but it is friendly to all nations. Any country arriving to use U-Tapao Airport for onward travel or overnight stays is welcomed, not only the U.S., but also countries such as Japan and South Korea. He therefore confirmed that currently no country is using U-Tapao Airport as a base for military operations.
Meanwhile, regarding rumors that the U.S. requested to use the Phang Nga naval base, the Navy Commander emphasized that this is even less possible. It is well known that the Phang Nga naval base has shallow waters that cannot accommodate large ships. Even Thai naval vessels require dredging to enter the dock.
Admiral Phairoj further commented on the ongoing efforts to assist the three remaining crew members, saying the Navy continues to coordinate closely with Oman's Navy, maintaining good relations, and appeals that assistance efforts not be stopped. Oman has responded that they will try their best. They are also using the Maritime Identification and Surveillance System (MISS) which Thailand networks with countries such as Singapore and Bahrain to track vessels that may have drifted from the attack site, and will seek ways to inspect and verify the crew's safety.
He confirmed that these efforts will continue, hoping the three crew members are still alive, as commercial and naval personnel are trained in survival skills such as enduring time in water or confined spaces. The Strait of Hormuz lies outside Thai naval control, so he stressed that commercial ship operators and others navigating the area prioritize crew safety above all.
Regarding an influencer's offer to help Thai nationals in the area, such as using jet skis to reach the Mayuree Naree vessel, Admiral Phairoj affirmed that accessing the area by jet ski is not easy, especially due to deep water and strong waves, but he appreciates the influencer’s concern for the distressed Thai people.