Thailand urges restraint after Thai-flagged vessel hit near Hormuz

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has called on all parties in the Middle East crisis to exercise the utmost restraint, immediately de-escalate tensions and return to dialogue, following an attack on a Thai-flagged vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement issued yesterday, the ministry stressed the need to respect international law, adding that Thailand is gravely concerned about the dire situation in the region, which it said was precipitated by Israeli and US attacks and followed by retaliation by Iran, with ongoing hostilities threatening to escalate tensions further.

The ministry warned that the situation poses serious threats to the lives and safety of innocent civilians in neighbouring countries and beyond, including Thai nationals.

It also highlighted risks to international shipping after the Thai-flagged vessel, with 23 Thai crew members on board, was hit in the strategic waterway.

“In such challenging times, respect for the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law, such as the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, becomes imperative,” the ministry said.

Thailand urged all parties involved to avoid actions that could further escalate the conflict and instead pursue dialogue and diplomatic negotiations to safeguard regional and global peace and stability.