Just one week after the Iranian Ambassador to Thailand, Nassereddin Heidari, held a major press conference at his embassy in Bangkok to denounce the attacks by the US and Israel against Iran—which claimed the life of its Supreme Leader—and emphasised a 400-year amicable relationship with Thailand, a Thai cargo vessel was attacked by the Iranian IRGC Navy. Iran claimed the cargo ship Mayuree Naree “ignored warnings.”
As of press time, three Thai sailors remain unaccounted for.
A day later, on Thursday night, Precious Shipping Public Company Limited (PSL)—a Thai-Indian shipping giant owned by the prominent Shah family—issued a statement asserting there had been no warning before the attack.
The question remains: Did the Thai ship actually ignore those warnings? If so, why? If there was no warning, then what really happened? And why would Iran treat a 400-year friend this way? Could the situation not have been handled with more finesse? Is this how an old friend behaves?
At this moment, the public deserves much greater clarity from Iranian authorities, the Thai shipping company, and the surviving crew.
Domestic Political Polarisation
Internal Thai politics has become a primary factor in how the conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance is perceived among some Thais. Royalist conservatives increasingly view Thai progressives—specifically the “Orange” People’s Party—as a “Trojan horse” or a tool for American imperialism. In their eyes, these groups are instruments used to transform Thai society or upend the political system according to Washington’s desires.
This belief is so deep-seated (pointing, for instance, to Pita Limjaroenrat’s current presence in the US to oversee his daughter’s schooling) that some wonder if there is more than meets the eye regarding the shooting of the Thai ship near the Strait of Hormuz. Some have even questioned whether the incident was a “set-up” by the US and Israel designed to create a rift between Bangkok and Tehran. This is further complicated by certain Thai Muslim groups who feel a natural religious and cultural affinity towards Iran.
Noppakao Kongsuwan, an influential redshirt Pheu Thai supporter, lamented the situation on Facebook on Friday:
“You can hate the United States or hate Trump as much as you like—no one is stopping you. Many people also see the problems with the sudden attacks on Iran by the US and Israel. But it should not go so far as siding with Iran in a case where it clearly did something wrong by firing at a commercial ship.
“No matter whose ship it was, this vessel was sailing in Omani waters. It was a civilian commercial vessel; it showed no hostile intent and was not carrying weapons of war. So why attack it?
“Thais themselves should pause and seriously ask whether calling fellow Thais ‘stupid for sailing into the line of fire’ is effectively supporting an act that violates international law.”
Tom Kruesophon, a well-known influencer who has called for Thailand to take a firm stance against Iran, said in a Facebook clip yesterday that some Thais have responded with indifference: “Why were they even there? Why was the ship in the Gulf? They knew there was a war… It’s their own fault for being nosy.” Tom expressed his shock, saying, “I was very disappointed. Where is the Thai spirit?”
Rumours and Rebuttals
Distrust has spread so rapidly that the Navy chief was forced on Friday to publicly dismiss rumours that the United States had requested the use of Thai bases to launch attacks on Iran.
Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, Admiral Pairote Fuengchan, stated there has been no coordination from the US to use U-Tapao International Airport for military operations against Iran. As for the naval base in Phang Nga, Pairote noted it would be physically impossible as the waters are too shallow for large combat vessels.
A Friend’s “Humour”
While Iran’s 400-year friendship with Thailand has been called into question by the attack, the Iranian embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, added insult to injury. On X (formerly Twitter), the embassy mocked the rescued Thai crew with a caption: “When you crash the car and are too scared to go home because of your dad… Strait of Hormuz.” After facing backlash, the embassy brushed it off as “humour” that was nothing personal against Thailand.
This needless egregious act is most regrettable. Such “humour” was deployed while the fate of three Thai sailors remains uncertain. This is not how an old friend behaves. Tehran would be foolish to unnecessarily turn an old friend like Thailand into a new enemy. While some Thais still support Iran, the regime is making that position increasingly difficult to justify.
Do Not Import the Conflict
Prognosticate on the messy war in the Middle East all you like, but I urge all Thais to keep their cool and reflect on their own biases—both conscious and unconscious. Do not import this war into our home. Do not get so emotionally invested that you mix domestic vitriol with international conflict. We must raise our voices to be part of a global solution and demand peace. To view a Middle Eastern war solely through the lens of internal Thai political prejudice only risks escalating the situation at home.
