Sihasak is preparing to request Thai ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz during his visit to Oman, seeking negotiation avenues with Iran. He is unaware of the issue regarding a Thai oil tanker stopping in Singapore and emphasized that Thai ships must return to Thailand.
At 17:42 on 9 April 2026 at the Parliament, Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke about preparations to negotiate with Iran to allow Thai cargo and oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. He said that many details Iran wants relate to each vessel. Today there was a meeting regarding ships still held up. We are trying to gather more details about the cargo or contents on the ships and their destinations, which require further specifics. During the visit to Oman on 15-16 April, he will discuss with Oman how to communicate and negotiate with Iran.
When asked about the case where Mr. Chaiyanat Dechadecho, Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, raised concerns that a Thai oil tanker secretly stopped to deliver oil to Singapore, Sihasak said they have contacted that ship to return to Thailand. He said he is unaware about the ship going to Singapore, but this is important. He emphasized that the ship must travel only to Thailand because the request is made on behalf of Thailand.
When asked if it is possible that the company owning the ship stopped to deliver oil to Singapore, Sihasak replied that this is a matter for the private company involved. However, as he understands, Thai cargo ships must come to Thailand.
When asked about progress in negotiating to buy oil from Russia, Sihasak said this is a matter for the Ministry of Energy and PTT to consider. In principle, they can sell to us, but whether it will happen depends on details discussed between the Ministry of Energy and PTT. They must consider if Russian oil suits Thai refineries and issues regarding payment through the banking system, which must be handled carefully because such payments could trigger sanctions. There are also obstacles in transferring money.