BANGKOK, THAILAND – Twenty Thai crew members from the attacked vessel Mayuree Naree arrived safely in Bangkok on 16 March, while three colleagues remained missing.
Morning arrival and official reception
The 20 sailors reached Suvarnabhumi Airport at 6 a.m., returning from the Strait of Hormuz after the attack on their ship. Staff from the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received them and coordinated the first formalities after landing.
Executives from Precious Shipping Public Company Limited (PSL), the vessel’s owner, were also present at the airport. According to the authorities, they worked closely with the responsible state agencies during the reception.
Silent departure from airport
The returning seafarers declined to speak with assembled media after their arrival. They left the airport shortly afterward, avoiding cameras and questions.
They boarded a bus directly to a hotel, accompanied by officials in charge of the repatriation. These agencies continued to oversee the crew’s movements and support upon arrival in Bangkok.
Ten-hour journey and coordinated assistance
Maratee Nalita Andamo, deputy director of the Information Department and deputy spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the safe return resulted from close coordination between the governments of Thailand and Oman.
“The safe return was the result of close coordination between the governments of Thailand and Oman.”
said Maratee Nalita Andamo, deputy director of the Information Department and deputy spokeswoman of the Foreign Ministry.
According to the ministry, the journey home took more than ten hours. Multiple agencies inside and outside Thailand cooperated to make the repatriation possible.
Post-arrival care and psychological support
After landing, PSL arranged support services for the crew in line with its internal welfare guidelines. The company said these measures were designed to address both immediate and longer-term needs.
The programme included physical health examinations and assessments of psychological stress by specialists. The aim was to stabilise the seafarers medically and mentally after the incident.
Three still missing and diplomatic pressure on Iran
While the 20 sailors returned home, efforts continued to support the remaining three crew members and clarify their whereabouts. Thai authorities and the shipping company maintained contact with partners abroad to follow any leads.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow held a direct phone call with his Iranian counterpart on 16 March. During the conversation, he pressed for rapid assistance in dealing with the case.
Shipping company’s thanks and ongoing search
Precious Shipping publicly thanked all agencies and individuals whose support enabled the safe return of the 20 crew members. The company highlighted the scale of cooperation required across borders and institutions.
At the same time, PSL stressed that tracing and finding the three missing seafarers remained its highest priority. The firm stated that all available channels would continue to be used in the search.
Wider implications for seafarer safety
The case illustrated how quickly seafarers could be caught between opposing sides in geopolitical crisis zones. It also underlined the importance of functioning crisis management and welfare structures for those working at sea.
The incident raised questions about whether shipping companies and states should introduce stricter rules and transparency requirements for transits through high-risk straits. Debates were likely to focus on how to protect crews more effectively without disrupting vital trade routes.