Thailand demands apology from Iran over Thai ship attack near Hormuz

2026-03-12 - 11:23

BANGKOK — Thailand has lodged a formal protest with Iran following an incident in which a Thai-flagged cargo ship was hit and damaged while sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting 23 Thai crew members on board. On 12 March 2026, Sirilak Niyom, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, held talks with Nassereddin Heidari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Thailand, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. During the meeting, Sirilak raised concerns over the incident involving the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree, which was struck and damaged while sailing through the strategic waterway after departing from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates. She conveyed Thailand’s strongest protest over the incident and requested that Iranian authorities issue a statement of apology and clarify the facts surrounding the event. The Thai side also expressed hope that such an incident would not occur again. Nassereddin Heidari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Thailand The Iranian ambassador expressed condolences over the incident and said he would promptly convey Thailand’s protest to authorities in Tehran. Sirilak also voiced concern over rising tensions in the region and called on all parties to exercise restraint, return to diplomatic dialogue and ensure the safety of civilians. She also thanked the Iranian government for facilitating the evacuation of Thai nationals from Iran on 7 and 10 March 2026 and asked authorities to continue ensuring the safety of Thai students who remain in the country.