A Bangchak Group oil tanker transited the Strait of Hormuz on March 23, following discussions between Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Iran's Ambassador to Bangkok.
"I inquired if Iran could assist in ensuring safety should Thai vessels need to pass through the strait," Foreign Minister Sihasak told reporters on March 24. "They responded that they would handle it and requested the names of the ships that would be transiting."
The tanker is currently moving through the Indian Ocean and is expected to deliver crude oil to Thailand in early April. According to Sihasak, another Thai vessel, owned by petrochemical company SCG Chemicals, is awaiting permission to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
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An oil tanker belonging to Thailand's Bangchak Group. Photo: The Nation |
Bangchak Group confirmed that its vessel, which had been anchored in the Persian Gulf since March 11, is en route to Thailand thanks to coordination between the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Iranian authorities. Both Bangchak and sources from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the ship transited the Strait of Hormuz without paying any fees.
To ensure safe passage, the Thai embassy in Muscat also coordinated with the Omani government, which in turn liaised with Iran through its embassy in Bangkok, according to sources from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Iran's embassy in Thailand posted on social media that the Thai vessel's passage through the Strait of Hormuz reflected the close relations between the two countries. "Friends hold a special place", the post read.
On March 24, Iran informed the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization that "non-hostile vessels" could transit the strait if they coordinated with Iranian authorities.
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Location of the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: Guardian |
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic shipping lane, through which about 20% of global oil supply transits. It plays a crucial role for Gulf economies. The conflict involving the US and Israel targeting Iran has disrupted shipping activities in this strait, causing volatility in global energy markets and soaring oil prices.
The Bangchak oil tanker's passage through the Strait of Hormuz comes two weeks after the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree was attacked in these waters, causing a fire onboard and forcing the crew to evacuate. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Iranian and Omani officials reached the vessel, but Bangkok is still awaiting information on the status of the three missing crew members.
Huyen Le (According to Reuters, Nation Thailand)
