BANGKOK, THAILAND – Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Pueangketkaew prepared talks to secure passage for Thai cargo and oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz and planned to explore communication channels with Iran via Muscat during a mid-April visit to Oman.
Preparation for talks on the Strait of Hormuz
On 9 April 2026, Sihasak Pueangketkaew told parliament that Thailand had to provide extensive details for negotiations with Iran relating to each individual vessel. He said the information was required by the Iranian side to allow Thai commercial ships and oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
He underlined that the data would cover specific characteristics of every ship. This was meant to meet Iranian demands so that Thai-flagged or Thai-operated vessels could be cleared to pass the strategic waterway.
Unresolved questions on cargo and destinations
According to Sihasak, officials discussed, on the same day, ships that were still “stuck” or whose situation had not yet been conclusively clarified. Thailand was trying to obtain additional information, including what goods were on board and in which country the cargo was ultimately to be delivered.
He indicated that clarifying these cargo details and final destinations was important for the ongoing talks. Such clarity would help address questions from the Iranian side and support Thailand’s efforts to secure unhindered passage.
Oman trip as diplomatic channel
For 15–16 April, Sihasak announced a trip to Oman, during which he planned to hold talks with the Omani side. The goal was to clarify how Oman could assist or mediate in communication and potential discussions with Iran.
He presented Muscat as a possible diplomatic bridge in the sensitive negotiations. Oman’s role would be to help structure contacts and facilitate any further engagement between Bangkok and Tehran.
Debate over alleged stop in Singapore
Responding to questions about a claim by Democrat politician Chaiwut Dechdecho that a Thai oil tanker had secretly delivered oil to Singapore, Sihasak said the authorities had contacted the vessel in question and requested that it return to Thailand. He added that he personally had no knowledge of a ship that had sailed to Singapore.
Nonetheless, he stressed the broader issue. He said it was crucial that when Thailand requested support in the name of the country, the ship involved had to sail to Thailand.
Private companies versus state expectations
Asked whether the shipping company or the firm behind the vessel could sell oil in Singapore, Sihasak pointed out that this was a matter for the private company. At the same time, he emphasized his understanding that ships transporting Thai goods should come to Thailand.
“Ships that transport Thai goods have to come to Thailand.”
said Sihasak Pueangketkaew, foreign minister and deputy prime minister.
He framed this as a question of national interest when the government sought international assistance. The distinction between private commercial decisions and state expectations remained a central point of the debate.
Russian oil: feasibility, refineries and payment risks
On possible oil purchases from Russia, Sihasak said the details were being examined by the Energy Ministry and PTT. In principle, Russia could sell to Thailand, but he highlighted key technical and financial concerns.
He explained that one issue was whether Russian crude was suitable for Thai refineries. Another was the challenge of bank payments, which had to be assessed with particular caution due to sanctions risks and hurdles for international transfers.
“The crucial points are refinery compatibility and the payment risks that come with sanctions and transfer restrictions.”
said Sihasak Pueangketkaew, outlining the government’s cautious approach.