Sihasak discussed the Middle East situation with Oman, thanked them for assisting the Mayuree Naree crew, and requested support to facilitate safe passage of Thai vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
On 16 Apr 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met for talks with Prince Shihab bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, and Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser Al Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman, in Muscat during an official visit to Oman on 15 Apr 2026. Both sides exchanged views on the Middle East regional situation and promoting defense cooperation.
Mr. Sihasak expressed gratitude to Oman and the Royal Navy of Oman for assisting 20 Thai crew members from the Mayuree Naree and facilitating their safe return to Thailand. He also requested Oman's support in finding ways to facilitate safe navigation for Thai vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, including the recovery of the Mayuree Naree ship.
At the same time, both sides exchanged views on the Middle East situation, freedom of navigation, and maritime security, especially around the Strait of Hormuz. Thailand praised Oman's neutral and constructive role, expressed concern over regional tensions, and affirmed Thailand's readiness to support Oman as a mediator in reducing regional tensions.
Meanwhile, Thailand and Oman also expressed readiness to promote comprehensive cooperation, especially in the defense industry. This builds on Oman's Ministry of Defense signing a contract in 2024 with Marsun Public Company Limited of Thailand to supply ships to the Royal Navy of Oman, marking a concrete collaboration between the two countries in defense industry and laying a foundation for closer defense cooperation in the future.