BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand has lodged a formal protest after a Thai-flagged cargo vessel was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving three crew members missing.
The Center for Monitoring and Managing the Middle East Situation (CMM) confirmed on Thursday that the Mayuree Naree was struck on Wednesday.
Panidone Patchimsawat, acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the strike caused two explosions and a severe fire in the engine room, though 20 crew members were rescued by the Omani navy and are now safe in Oman. Search operations are ongoing for the three missing sailors. All Thai commercial vessels have now cleared the area.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, alleging the ship ignored naval warnings. The attack involved rockets and drones that triggered two explosions and a severe fire in the engine room, though some reports suggested the use of unmanned surface vessels.
Bangkok has summoned Iran’s ambassador to clarify the facts of the attack. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow is scheduled to speak with his Omani counterpart this evening to express gratitude for the rescue efforts and coordinate the return of the survivors.
“We call on all parties to exercise restraint and return to negotiations,” Panidorn said, adding that Thailand strongly protests the violence against commercial shipping. An emergency ASEAN ministerial meeting is set for Friday to discuss the escalating Middle East tensions. (TNA)
