Bangchak tanker safely transits Strait of Hormuz after Thai-Iranian diplomatic coordination
A Bangchak Corporation tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Monday following direct negotiations between Thailand's foreign minister and Iran's ambassador in Bangkok.
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A tanker belonging to Bangchak Corporation transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, following diplomatic coordination between Bangkok and Tehran. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow confirmed the news on Wednesday, stating he had directly approached Iran's Ambassador to Thailand to secure safe passage for the vessel. Iranian authorities requested the names of ships seeking to transit before granting their approval.
One fifth of global hydrocarbon traffic disrupted
The armed conflict pitting the United States and Israel against Iran has blocked approximately one fifth of the oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) that normally transits through the Strait of Hormuz. Thailand is directly feeling the effects: since the conflict began in February, gas stations have seen long queues and transportation costs have risen sharply, despite government assurances of sufficient supplies. This pressure on fuel prices mirrors dynamics seen elsewhere, including in Chile, where diesel was raised from $0.7 to $1.7 per liter, and in Sweden, which temporarily reduced fuel taxes.
Bangchak said its vessel had been anchored in the Persian Gulf for eleven days before receiving transit authorization. Neither the company nor the Thai government made any payment in exchange, according to both parties. The coordination involved the Iranian Foreign Ministry as well as Omani authorities, reached through Thailand's embassy in Bangkok.
The Mayuree Naree incident and its aftermath
The transit comes two weeks after a projectile struck the bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, flying the Thai flag. A fire broke out on board, forcing the crew to evacuate. Iranian and Omani officials have since boarded the vessel, but three crew members remain missing. Thailand's Foreign Ministry is still awaiting information on their fate.
Iran informed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that non-hostile ships could transit the strait provided they coordinated with Iranian authorities in advance. Iran's embassy in Thailand stated on X that the Bangchak vessel's transit reflected the "strong ties" between the two countries. Another Thai vessel, owned by SCG Chemicals, was said to be awaiting similar transit clearance, according to Minister Sihasak.
