🗓️ Thursday, March 11, 2026
📍 Near the Strait of Hormuz

Urgent Search for Missing Thai Crew Members After Iranian Attack on Vessel

Date: March 12, 2026

Location: Near the Strait of Hormuz, international waters

What Happened?

On March 11, 2026, a Thai-flagged cargo vessel, the Mayuree Naree, was attacked by Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

• 23 crew members were aboard, with most being Thai nationals.
• The crew was forced to abandon ship after the attack, boarding lifeboats to escape.
• 20 crew members were rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman and taken safely to Khasab, Oman, where they are being cared for in a hotel.
• Three crew members remain missing and are feared to be either trapped on the ship or in the engine room. Search efforts are ongoing with help from both Thai and Omani authorities.

Response from Thailand

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered all available resources to be mobilized to locate the three missing crew members.

The Labour Ministry is in close coordination with the Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat (Oman), and authorities are working to provide support for the surviving crew and the families of those still missing.

The Thai government is also looking into the cause of the attack and whether the ship's navigation through the area, despite prior warnings, violated any safety regulations.

Missing Crew Members

The three missing crew members have been identified as:

• Kiatisak Pawaphuchakae – Electrician, from Nong Bua Lamphu
  • Social Security Contributions: 60 months, totaling 35,988.40 Baht (excluding returns).
• Phanuphong Muenthaen – Ship Mechanic, from Samut Prakan
  • Social Security Contributions: 6 months, totaling 678.94 Baht (no returns due to incomplete 12-month contributions).
• Chawalit Chaiwong – Engine Mechanic, from Tak
  • Social Security Contributions: 71 months, totaling 37,201.67 Baht (excluding returns).

Search and Rescue Efforts

• Thailand is working with Oman, with Thai naval forces and Omani search teams coordinating efforts to locate the missing crew members.
• The Labour Ministry is actively assisting the missing crew's families by ensuring they have support and information on the entitlements for those affected.

Diplomatic Response

The Thai government is expected to send a formal letter to Iran to request clarification about the attack.

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow is handling potential diplomatic talks with Iran.

Thailand-Iran Relations: The incident could have an impact on relations, depending on whether the attack was justified or not. Prime Minister Anutin stated that if the attack was unprovoked, it would be unacceptable.

What We Know About the Attack and Warnings

Media reports suggest warnings were issued about navigating through the Strait of Hormuz before the attack occurred. However, there is some uncertainty about whether those warnings were effectively communicated or adhered to, as the region is a contentious shipping route, with certain areas possibly considered international waters.

Despite this, most of the Thai crew were safe, which Prime Minister Anutin called a positive development.

Why Is This Important?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategic shipping routes in the world, with millions of barrels of oil passing through it daily. Tensions in the region have been rising due to military and political conflicts, making such attacks on ships more concerning.

The Mayuree Naree is a private Thai vessel, and this incident may raise concerns about the security of commercial vessels navigating through volatile waters.

Next Steps and Continuing Efforts

• Search for the missing crew: Omani and Thai authorities are focusing on finding the three missing crew members and bringing them to safety.
• Family Support: The Thai Labour Ministry is ensuring that the families of the missing crew are provided with immediate support and information on their rights.
• Diplomatic Measures: Thailand will likely push for clarification from Iran about the incident and how the attack occurred.

Quick Summary at a Glance

• Incident: Thai cargo ship attacked by Iran near the Strait of Hormuz.
• Missing Crew: 3 Thai nationals still missing (Kiatisak, Phanuphong, Chawalit).
• Rescued Crew: 20 Thai crew members rescued and cared for in Oman.
• Search: Omani and Thai authorities conducting an urgent search for the missing crew.
• Diplomacy: Thailand may send a formal request to Iran for clarification.
• Impact: Could affect Thailand-Iran relations depending on the attack’s justification.

This is an ongoing situation, and Thailand is focused on finding the missing crew members while providing assistance to the survivors and their families.