Three former crew members of the Thai cargo ship Mayuree Naree have filed a lawsuit against the vessel operator, Precious Shipping Co., over alleged labour rights violations and unfair dismissal following a deadly attack in the Strait of Hormuz.
Get today's headlines by email 
The lawsuit was filed on Friday, 10 July 2026, at the Central Labour Court in Bangkok by Panithi Tumkaew, Noppadon Wongsuvan and Surades Manpuen. They are also suing two affiliated companies and the ship’s captain.
The Mayuree Naree was struck by a projectile north of Oman on 11 March, killing three crew members. The remaining 20 crew members were rescued and returned to Thailand about a week later.
The former sailors’ lawyer, Kunpat Singhathong, said the lawsuit alleges the defendants put the crew at risk by allowing the vessel to sail through the Strait of Hormuz despite security threats.
Kunpat said the three men were dismissed before completing their nine-month employment contracts after the attack left the vessel unable to operate. He said they received compensation equal to two months’ salary, which he described as inadequate because the men have since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Panithi, who had worked for Precious Shipping for more than a decade, said his wife encouraged him to seek medical treatment after noticing changes in his behaviour. He said loud noises cause him to become startled, he cannot currently work, and he needs medication.
The three former crew members are seeking compensation of more than one million baht each. Precious Shipping did not respond to requests for comment.
The company previously issued a statement on 3 July after the remains of the three crew members killed in the attack were repatriated to Thailand. It expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said it remained committed to providing assistance, care and support.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major concern for seafarers following the Iran conflict, which has disrupted a key shipping route handling about one fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas trade.
International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said seafarers and their families continue to bear the human cost of the conflict.
The Daily Mall reported that the case will now proceed through the Central Labour Court, while concerns continue over the safety and welfare of Asian seafarers working in conflict-affected areas.
Picture courtesy of Daily Mall
Join the discussion? 
11 July 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment