BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand urged maximum restraint and a swift return to negotiations after an attack on a Thai-flagged ship near the Strait of Hormuz put 23 crew members at risk and raised alarms over civilian safety and global shipping.
Attack near the Strait of Hormuz
The Thai Foreign Ministry issued a statement in response to an attack on a ship sailing under the Thai flag near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident affected one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for trade, through which a significant share of oil and goods from the Gulf region passed.
Bangkok calls for de-escalation and talks
In a statement released on 11 March, the ministry called on all parties involved in the Middle East crisis to exercise “maximum restraint” and to reduce tensions without delay.
“All parties must exercise the utmost restraint and reduce tensions immediately.”
said the ministry, according to the statement.
At the same time, Bangkok pressed for a return to dialogue and diplomacy to prevent any further expansion of the fighting. The government framed renewed talks as essential to contain the conflict and protect regional stability.
Reference to international law and UN Charter
The government underlined that international law had to be respected, in particular the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. It stressed that legal norms were a key safeguard against further escalation and wider humanitarian harm.
“In such challenging times, respect for the UN Charter and international principles is imperative.”
said the Foreign Ministry.
Concern for civilians and Thai nationals
Bangkok described itself as “seriously concerned” about the situation, which had further intensified after attacks by Israel and the United States and retaliation by Iran. According to the statement, the continuing hostilities posed a serious threat to the lives of innocent civilians in neighboring countries and beyond.
The ministry explicitly included Thai nationals among those at risk from the deteriorating security environment. It indicated that protecting citizens remained a central priority as the crisis unfolded.
Risk to commercial shipping and crews
The ministry highlighted the risks to international shipping after the Thai-flagged ship was hit in the strategic waterway. The presence of 23 Thai crew members underscored the human stakes for seafarers working in conflict-affected routes.
For Thailand, the incident was not only a matter of foreign policy but also of the safety of sailors and the stability of supply chains. The government warned that disruptions in these routes could affect export industries and consumer prices worldwide.