On March 25, a Thai oil tanker passed through the Hormuz Strait safely after Bangkok and Tehran conducted diplomatic coordination to ensure the journey was not interrupted.
Thai officials said that the ship owned by Bangchak Corporation has crossed this strategic maritime route after exchanges between Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and the Iranian Ambassador to Thailand. According to Mr. Sihasak, the Iranian side is committed to supporting Thai ships to pass through the strait if they are provided with information about the route in advance.
The ship owner confirmed that this vehicle was previously anchored in the Persian Gulf and is currently on its way back to Thailand. Sources from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the company said that no fees were required for the ship to pass through the area.
The developments occurred in the context of conflict between the US and Israel with Iran, causing about 1/5 of global liquefied natural oil and gas passing through the Strait of Hormuz to be disrupted, significantly affecting energy transportation.
Since the outbreak of war, Thailand has faced increased transportation costs and prolonged queuing at fuel stations, although the government affirms that supply is still guaranteed.
The safe passage of the Thai oil tanker took place after an incident where a Thai-flagged cargo ship was attacked in the strait, causing the ship to catch fire and the crew to evacuate. Iranian and Oman authorities have approached the ship, but Thailand has not yet received information about the three missing crew members.
Another Thai ship is still waiting for a permit to pass through the strait. Sources said that the Thai Embassy in Muscat has coordinated with Oman and Iran to support this process.
Iran previously informed the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization that "not hostile" ships could pass through the Strait of Hormuz if coordinated with the country's authorities. The Iranian Embassy in Thailand also emphasized that supporting Thai ships reflects the close relationship between the two countries.
