A Thai tanker made a safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz on March 23 without paying passage fees or other charges, following diplomatic coordination between Thailand and Iran, Bangchak Corporation said in a statement on March 25 (local time).
The vessel had been operating in the Gulf since March 11 and, with support from Thailand’s Foreign Ministry and Iranian authorities, was en route back to Thailand.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said he met with Nasereddin Heidari, Iran’s ambassador to Thailand, to arrange the tanker’s return.
Sihasak said he asked whether Iran could help ensure safe passage for Thai ships. Iranian officials agreed to manage the matter and requested the names of vessels planning to transit.
He added that another Thai vessel owned by chemical company SCG Chemical is also awaiting permission to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
The Thai embassy in Oman coordinated with Omani authorities to secure the tanker’s passage.
Bangchak and Foreign Ministry sources said the company did not pay any fees to Iran to secure the transit.
Iran’s embassy in Thailand posted on X (formerly Twitter): "When we say the Strait of Hormuz is not blocked, we mean it. To be clear, our allies have special arrangements."
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For Yonhap TV reporting and tips: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23
Choi Jin-kyung (highjean@yna.co.kr)
