Find Thailand NOW’s coverage of official statements, briefings, and verified developments from Thailand’s Joint Press Center on the Middle East Situation during April 2026.

Thai FM to visit Oman amid U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal

BANGKOK, 08 April 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow is reportedly scheduled to visit Oman on April 15th and 16th to personally thank Omani authorities for helping coordinate the safe return of 20 crew members of the Mayuree Naree cargo vessel, which had been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz.

During the visit, the Foreign Minister will also discuss maritime security in the strait, with particular attention on ensuring the safe transit of nine Thai ships. Five of the vessels are carrying fertilizer — an essential resource for Thailand’s agricultural sector.

The visit follows a two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, which the Foreign Minister has described as an important step toward lasting peace and greater stability in global energy prices.

In an official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand said it welcomes the ceasefire agreement and hopes it will lead to a sustained truce and long-term peace. The government also reaffirmed its support for resolving the conflict through diplomacy and called on all parties to uphold international law, particularly freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Foreign Ministry has advised Thai citizens in the region to take advantage of the ceasefire to secure safe passage home. Any Thai nationals wishing to evacuate have been urged to contact Thai embassies immediately. Financial mechanisms are currently in place to support those facing travel-related difficulties.

Thai authorities uncover fuel supply chain misconduct amid energy crisis

BANGKOK, 03 April 2026 – The Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East has revealed that Thai authorities have uncovered widespread irregularities in the country’s fuel supply system as they work to curb hoarding, smuggling, and price manipulation during the global energy crisis.

The Center, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, met with senior officials from key agencies, including the Ministry of Justice, the Royal Thai Police, the Department of Energy Business, the Customs Department, the Excise Department, the Marine Department, and the Department of Special Investigation.

Officials said inspections found signs of misconduct across the fuel supply chain, including delayed tanker unloading, reduced releases from depots, and transport outside of approved routes. Authorities are also examining possible ship-to-ship transfers and discrepancies between refinery output and delivery records.

Fuel consumption has risen sharply from around 67 million liters per day before the crisis to between 80 and 90 million liters, with Thai officials saying the unexplained increase points to stockpiling and diversion. Investigators cited one case in Surat Thani province where 217 million liters of fuel were transported across 96 tanker trips, but only 160 million liters were recorded at their destinations, leaving 57 million liters unaccounted for.

Police said inspections of closed service stations identified 27 stations and 12 intermediaries linked to irregular supply practices. Authorities also found that some depots reduced fuel releases despite stable refinery output, while others redirected fuel to industrial buyers at higher prices. The Marine Department reported irregularities in 20 of 96 tanker voyages in March 2026, involving nearly 50 million liters of fuel.

Despite the findings, the Department of Energy Business said national fuel reserves remain stable and sufficient for more than three months, with additional shipments secured through early June. Authorities said there is no risk of shortages during the Songkran holiday and urged the public to avoid panic buying.

Search continues for 3 missing Thai crew members on Mayuree Naree

BANGKOK, 01 April 2026 – Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has continued its efforts to locate the three crew members missing from the Thai commercial vessel Mayuree Naree, which was involved in an incident while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on March 11th.

At a briefing on March 30th, Panidone Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the Ministry has been coordinating closely with Oman, Iran, and other relevant parties since the incident. Diplomatic efforts included direct discussions by Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow with his counterparts in both countries and follow-up talks with Iran’s ambassador to Thailand.

The ministry said Iranian and Omani teams were able to gain access to the vessel on March 24th, but were unable to ascertain the condition or whereabouts of the three missing crew members.

On March 30th, vessel owner Precious Shipping PLC informed the ministry that it had deployed a specialized search-and-rescue team, with local approval, to inspect the ship. The team searched accessible areas but was unable to locate the missing crew members due to fire damage, residual smoke, and engine room flooding.

The ministry has informed the families of the missing and will continue search and coordination efforts.

Separately, officials said fuel price decisions in Thailand remain pending benchmark data from Singapore, with updated figures expected imminently. Authorities also warned that social media claims about fuel price increases are inaccurate.

The government reiterated support for dialogue and diplomacy to restore regional stability and ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

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