Thai-flagged ship not targeted in Gulf of Oman: Thai Navy

The Royal Thai Navy confirmed on July 18 that a vessel reportedly targeted by the Iranian navy in the Gulf of Oman was not Thai-flagged, according to Naewna newspaper. This confirmation comes amidst escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. Tasnim news agency had reported that the Revolutionary Guards navy "targeted" a Thai-flagged ship attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. However, RADM Parach Rattanachaiyapan, the navy’s spokesperson, stated that the Thai Navy Operations Centre, in coordination with the Maritime Security Command Centre (MSCC) and the Marine Department’s Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), verified the information using a ship tracking system. The findings confirmed the targeted vessel is not Thai-flagged. Furthermore, coordination with the sole Thai-flagged cargo ship sailing in the Gulf of Oman revealed that both the vessel and its crew are safe, with navigation and mission operations proceeding normally. The region has seen intensified strikes between the US and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides targeting infrastructure and military objectives. Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan have also reported attacks from Iran involving missiles and drones. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas trade, with approximately one-fifth of the world's trade passing through it. The ongoing conflict over its control has contributed to regional instability. The Thai Navy has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of Thai-flagged vessels in light of these international developments. Information Source: Thai Newsroom