Thailand summons Iranian envoy over attack on Thai-flagged ship

Thailand has sought an explanation and apology from Iran over its attack on a Thai-flagged cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, which damaged the vessel and left three crew members still missing.

Iranian ambassador to Thailand Nassereddin Heidari was summoned yesterday to meet Foreign Ministry deputy permanent secretary for foreign affairs Sirilak Niyom to seek clarification over the attack.

Sirilak lodged Thailand’s strongest protest over the incident and called on Iranian authorities to issue an apology and clarify the facts surrounding the attack. She also expressed hope that such an incident would not occur again.

Heidari expressed condolences over the incident and assured that Thailand’s protest would be promptly conveyed to authorities in Tehran.

The Foreign Ministry said the cargo ship Mayuree Naree was hit by a projectile while sailing through the strategic waterway after departing from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates, sparking a fire and forcing the crew to abandon ship.

According to the ministry, 23 Thai crew members were on board at the time of the incident. Most have been accounted for, but authorities are continuing efforts to locate three who remain unaccounted for.

According to Reuters, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards fired on the vessel after it ignored their warning not to enter the area.

Sirilak also voiced concern over rising tensions in the region and called on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, return to diplomatic dialogue and ensure the safety of civilians.

From L; Iranian ambassador to Thailand Nassereddin Heidari and Foreign Ministry deputy permanent secretary for foreign affairs Sirilak Niyom

She thanked the Iranian government for facilitating the evacuation of Thai nationals from Iran on March 7 and 10, and asked Iranian authorities to continue ensuring the safety of Thai students who remain in the country.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the attack on the Thai cargo ship was “not something we approve of” and that the government had assigned all available resources to assist the missing crew members.

Anutin said most of the Thai nationals on board were safe, but authorities were continuing search efforts for the three missing crew members.

Responding to questions about why the ship travelled through the strait despite Iranian warnings of potential attacks, Anutin said it remained unclear how maritime navigation decisions had been made and whether the route was considered international waters.