KUALA LUMPUR - A Thai oil tanker has safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic talks between Thailand and Iran ensured secure passage.

The vessel, owned by Bangchak Corporation, crossed the key waterway on Monday following coordination between Thailand’s foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Iran’s ambassador to Thailand.

“I requested that if Thai ships need to pass through the strait, could they assist in ensuring safe passage?

They responded that they would take care of it and asked us to provide the names of the vessels that would be transiting,” Sihasak said last Tuesday.

The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has disrupted about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments through the strait.

Since the conflict began on February 28, Thailand has faced higher transport costs and longer queues at petrol stations despite government assurances of sufficient supply.

The safe crossing comes two weeks after a Thai bulk carrier, Mayuree Naree, was hit by a projectile in the strait, causing a fire and forcing its crew to evacuate.

Authorities from Iran and Oman have reached the vessel, but Thailand is still waiting for updates on three missing crew members.

Another Thai ship owned by SCG Chemicals is still waiting for approval to pass through the strait, Sihasak said.

Bangchak said its tanker, which had been anchored in the Persian Gulf since March 11, is now heading back to Thailand after the successful passage.

The company and a foreign ministry source confirmed that no payment was required for the transit.

Iran has informed the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organisation that non-hostile vessels may pass through the strait if they coordinate with Iranian authorities.

Thailand’s embassy in Muscat also worked with Omani officials to support the tanker’s journey, alongside coordination with Iran’s embassy in Bangkok.

In a post on X, Iran’s embassy in Thailand said the safe passage reflects strong ties between the two countries.

“Friends have a special place,” it said.