Bangchak Corporation has confirmed it did not pay the Iranian government to allow an oil tanker to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, following reports suggesting a financial exchange. The company stated on 9 April 2026 that the crude oil shipment from the Middle East arrived at its refinery in Si Racha safely, without any such payment arrangement. The clarification aims to address concerns over transparency and international compliance.
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The company explained that the tanker’s passage was facilitated through official diplomatic channels rather than financial transactions. On 17 March, Bangchak submitted a request for assistance to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The following day, the foreign minister sent a formal letter to the Iranian embassy in Thailand and invited the Iranian ambassador for discussions on 19 March.
Subsequently, the Iranian ambassador relayed the matter to the Iranian government, which coordinated with the government of Oman. On 23 March, Bangchak was informed that the oil tanker had successfully and safely transited the Strait of Hormuz. The company reiterated that no payments were made to the Iranian government at any stage of the process.
Bangchak’s clarification appears intended to reassure stakeholders, including regulators and the public, that its operations comply fully with international norms. The involvement of Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic engagement with Iran and Oman underscores the reliance on state-level coordination to ensure safe transit through sensitive waterways.
Khaosod reported that the situation highlights the importance of diplomatic channels in maintaining the flow of energy resources through high-risk regions. While the tanker’s safe arrival resolves immediate concerns, scrutiny over shipping routes and compliance practices is likely to continue as geopolitical tensions persist.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 10 Apr 2026
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