The Foreign Ministry confirmed the arrival of 20 crew members from the "Mayuree Naree" vessel in Thailand, stating they are in good spirits and ready to continue their work. It reported that Foreign Minister Sihasak made a phone call to Iran requesting assistance for three additional crew members, assuring that Thailand is fully coordinating and closely monitoring the situation.
On 16 March 2026, at the departure hall of Suvarnabhumi Airport, officials escorted 20 crew members of the "Mayuree Naree" out through Gate B, number 6. The area was arranged so that the media could wait for news only near press points close to Gates 9 and 10. Journalists were not allowed to interview or speak with the crew, as officials explained the crew did not wish to be interviewed due to fatigue from travel.
Airport officials led the crew out through Gate 6. Observers noted that each crew member carried one suitcase and most appeared tired, bringing little luggage since most belongings remained on the ship involved in the incident. Officials then escorted all crew members onto a bus to travel to a hotel arranged for their rest.
Mr. Bancha Yuenyongjongjaroen, Deputy Director-General of the Consular Department, together with Mrs. Maratee Nalita Andamo, Deputy Director-General of the Information Department and Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Pongthep Phetsom, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare, gave interviews after speaking with the 20 Thai crew members recently rescued from the "Mayuree Naree" who arrived back in Thailand this morning.
The Deputy Director-General of the Consular Department stated that initial discussions found all 20 crew members to be in good physical and mental condition and ready to continue working. The Royal Thai Embassies in Muscat, Oman, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and the Consulate General in Dubai coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Omani Navy to assist the crew, facilitating their land travel from Khasab, Oman, to the UAE for their return flight to Thailand. Precious Shipping Public Company Limited, the vessel's owner, arranged the airline tickets for the journey.
The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare stated that the Ministry of Labor has contacted the shipowner company to assist with the rights and benefits due to the crew under their contracts, noting that the company has cooperated well.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Director-General of the Information Department and Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that last night, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Puangketkaew held a telephone discussion with Iran’s Foreign Minister on several issues, especially requesting cooperation to assist the remaining three Thai crew members still stranded. While details of the discussion remain confidential, he assured that Thai authorities are coordinating fully with both the Omani and Iranian navies to assist the Thai crew and are closely monitoring the situation. He also urged all parties to exercise restraint and return to negotiations promptly, emphasizing that this stance reflects not only Thailand’s position but also that of ASEAN countries, as discussed in the recent ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting last Friday.
Regarding assistance for Thais in the Middle East, Mr. Bancha Yuenyongjongjaroen said that all Thai nationals who requested help returning home have been assisted. The Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran has opened a temporary office near the Turkish border to prepare for any additional returnees, though numbers are expected to be low. In some countries, commercial flights remain available. Of approximately 65,000 Thais in Israel, most do not wish to return and are sheltering in locations provided by authorities. If the situation remains stable without escalation, there is likely no significant increase in returnees to Thailand.