Gun Jomphalang dismissed the controversy after bringing jet skis to assist three missing crew members of the Mayuree Naree. He sees it as a proposal to help people and questions why topics like dinosaurs still bring joy, but helping people must cause drama.
On 13 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Kanthas Phongpaiboonwech, known as Gun Jomphalang, brought relatives of two crew members still missing after an attack on the Thai cargo ship Mayuree Naree in the Strait of Hormuz to the Navy headquarters to coordinate search efforts. Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiphan, Navy spokesperson, received the case on their behalf.
Gun Jomphalang later gave an interview regarding the controversy over his proposal to send a jet ski team to help find the three missing crew in the Strait of Hormuz. He said everything he does seems to cause drama, even when relatives send messages to the crew asking them to send signals back—a suggestion also made by the Navy. But when he acts, people dislike it and say it's impossible.
He explained that he discussed with the Navy a hypothetical scenario where no one goes to help and asked if the Navy might send a team. The Navy said there was a chance and hadn’t abandoned any plans, as they wanted to help the crew. So, he offered to assist with his national-level jet ski team. He assessed the distance as about 30 kilometers on the map and asked if there was a chance to reach them. The Navy said yes, but the concern was whether those going in might be shot at.
Gun Jomphalang added that people can celebrate topics like space and dinosaurs, so why does trying to help people provoke so much drama? He said people can criticize him, but if one day a relative of theirs is stranded somewhere, they might need his help. He said he is no longer discouraged and will continue to help relatives of those stranded on the ship. One of them is a social development official whom he had previously asked for help, and who coordinated assistance fully. Now, when they ask him, he is also doing his best.
He clarified that his idea is not to load jet skis onto a ship in Oman and drive straight in—that would be reckless. He must follow proper procedures. If his plan is not used, he has no objections. He views it simply as a good-faith idea to help people.
Regarding comments that flood conditions are not the same as the sea, he understands but believes that things never done before have often succeeded. Just considering the idea doesn't cause harm; doing it or not is optional. For example, in Hat Yai, floodwaters reached six meters with strong currents and underwater debris, possibly harsher than the ocean. The risk lies in potential gunfire. They do not intend to drive jet skis directly in but to support the Navy as a backup team. The Navy has clearly said there are multiple plans. So, he believes it causes no harm and that unusual ideas have helped thousands before.
As for blocking the shipowner, he initially did not know who commented but said it started with accusations that he sought attention. He believes if people communicate maturely to find solutions, they can talk well. If conversations are like that, they should take it to their own spaces.
"I have gotten used to it. At first, I felt discouraged, but now I just laugh and block them. When everyone is in trouble and needs support, if someone insults me now, I won’t mind if they don’t seek my help later. We can each live our own way. If you insult me today, I won’t help you tomorrow—that’s all," Gun Jomphalang said.