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Thailand Urges ASEAN Unity on Middle East Energy Crisis

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Thailand has urged ASEAN countries to strengthen cooperation to address a potential energy and economic crisis triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East, while confirming that 20 Thai crew members rescued from the cargo ship Mayuree Naree will return home on 16 March.

The announcement was made on 14 March at Government House during a daily briefing by the Centre for Monitoring the Situation in the Middle East. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labour provided updates on the regional conflict and ongoing assistance to affected Thai nationals.

Panidarn Pachimsawat, acting Director-General of the Department of Information and deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the situation in the Middle East had expanded beyond military targets. Iranian authorities have reportedly escalated attacks against energy infrastructure, shipping routes and cyber systems linked to the United States and Israel.

Fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah has also intensified, particularly along the Israel-Lebanon border. Thai embassies have therefore urged Thai nationals in high-risk areas to consider leaving as soon as possible.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv has issued a warning for Thai citizens in northern Israel to be ready to reach shelters within one minute if air-raid sirens sound. Travelling near the border areas has also been strongly discouraged.

Thai authorities said 591 Thai nationals have already been assisted to return safely to Thailand from risk areas in the Middle East. The Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran, which has temporarily relocated operations to the city of Van in Türkiye, has completed the evacuation of Thai nationals who requested to leave Iran.

During a special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow joined discussions based on proposals from Thailand. The meeting called for an end to violence and urged diplomatic negotiations in line with international law, including maintaining freedom of navigation and aviation.

Thailand also proposed that ASEAN member states strengthen consular cooperation to assist each other’s citizens during crises. Bangkok further encouraged greater use of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement to manage possible disruptions to energy supply chains and broader economic impacts.

Officials also provided an update on the cargo vessel Mayuree Naree, which was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz. Twenty Thai crew members who were rescued will travel by car from the city of Khasab to Muscat International Airport in Oman before flying back to Thailand.

Thai diplomats have issued emergency passports and coordinated with authorities in the United Arab Emirates to facilitate transit visas. The crew are scheduled to arrive in Thailand on the morning of Monday, 16 March.

Three crew members from the vessel remain missing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Thai Navy and other agencies continue to coordinate search and rescue efforts.

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Labour Santi Nantasuwan said there are currently 67,047 Thai workers living in the Middle East. Of those, 977 have requested assistance to return home, with 72 already back in Thailand and another nine currently travelling from Bahrain.

The Ministry of Labour has also coordinated with Precious Shipping Public Company Limited to support the rescued crew. The company has provided accommodation, food, medical supplies, communication access and online mental health counselling.

The Standard reported that Precious Shipping confirmed the crew will receive full wages, including special compensation for working in a high-risk area, until they arrive in Bangkok. The company will also compensate them fully for personal belongings lost with the vessel and maintain their employment status.

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