Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, in his capacity as spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour, provided an update on assistance to Thai workers following the attack on the Thai cargo vessel Mayuree Naree near the Strait of Hormuz on the morning of March 11. According to a report from the labour attaché at the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the vessel had 23 crew members, most of whom were Thai nationals. The crew was forced to abandon the ship and board lifeboats. Twenty crew members were rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman and safely brought ashore at Khasab, where they are currently staying at accommodation arranged by the company. The Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat is coordinating with the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange an official visit.
The remaining three crew members are still missing and are believed to be either on board the vessel or in the engine room. Thai and Omani authorities are continuing urgent search-and-rescue operations. The labour office has been coordinating closely with the Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat to ensure comprehensive support for affected Thai workers.
Mr. Santi added that Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, has expressed deep concern for the affected workers. Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, has instructed relevant agencies under the Ministry to visit the families of the three missing crew members, provide support, communicate available assistance measures, and verify the employment-related entitlements due from employers.
Initial checks on their social security status revealed the following:
- Mr. Kiattisak Pawapuchakae, Electrical Engineer, from Nong Bua Lamphu Province – previously insured under Section 33, with 60 months of old-age contributions totalling 35,988.40 Baht (excluding returns).
- Mr. Phanuphong Muenthaen, Marine Engineer, from Samut Prakan Province – previously insured under Section 33, with 6 months of contributions totalling 678.94 Baht (no returns due to contributions being fewer than 12 months).
- Mr. Chawalit Chaiwong, Engine Technician, from Tak Province – previously insured under Section 33, with 71 months of contributions totalling 37,201.67 Baht (excluding returns).
The Ministry of Labour is coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Marine Department, and other relevant agencies to ensure that all 23 crew members receive the full range of benefits and assistance to which they are entitled.
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