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Thailand says it has secured an agreement with Iran to ensure the safe passage of its oil vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, offering relief from ongoing disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul disclosed at a news conference on Saturday, adding that the deal would allow Thai tankers to move through the strategic waterway without interference, easing concerns over fuel supply.
He noted that the arrangement provides reassurance that earlier disruptions witnessed in March are unlikely to persist.
“An agreement has been reached to allow Thai oil tankers to transit safely through the Strait of Hormuz.
“With this agreement in place, there is greater confidence that disruptions like those seen in early March will not recur.”
The strait, a critical global energy route, has seen shipping activity significantly reduced since the outbreak of the conflict on February 28, with Iranian forces tightening control over maritime movements.
Anutin also apologised for the impact of rising fuel costs on citizens, explaining that government interventions, including price controls, were introduced to cushion the effects.
He expressed hope that the conflict would be short-lived, while assuring that authorities would continue to adjust policies to minimise the burden on the public
“The government will continue to adapt to evolving situations and adjust measures to minimise the impact on the public,” Anutin said.
Thailand’s foreign minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said Iran had recently located a Thai vessel attacked earlier in the month but could not confirm the condition of three missing crew members.
Data from maritime tracking platform Kpler indicates that shipments through the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply in March following the escalation, while Twenty-four commercial vessels, including 11 tankers, have reported attacks or security incidents in the Gulf region.
