NationThailand-Mar 17
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who was travelling to Vienna, Austria, to attend the Global Fraud Summit at the Vienna International Center on March 16-17, 2026, gave an interview on efforts to coordinate with various countries to find new energy or fuel sources.He said the government had oil reserves for 95-100 days, but the fighting remained highly uncertain. The Prime Minister, therefore, believed that if Thailand could source oil from elsewhere, contacts should be made to identify where supplies could be secured from countries willing to sell oil to Thailand. Thailand had already contacted Russia, which was ready to sell oil to Thailand. In addition, the United States had relaxed sanctions, allowing vessels departing ports to sell to other countries. Thailand had also reached out to Brazil, Nigeria and Kazakhstan, among others. Ultimately, the relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Energy, would need to hold further detailed discussions. On progress in efforts to assist the three remaining Thai crew members still stranded on the “Mayuree Naree”, Sihasak stressed that he had spoken by telephone with Iran’s foreign minister to coordinate assistance. Iran’s foreign minister expressed condolences over the Mayuree Naree incident, but said it was not a situation in which shipping should be taking place. He also promised to assist in the search for the three Thai crew members by coordinating with the Iranian navy. However, this would depend on the situation, as the fighting was continuing. Thailand had also coordinated with Oman, asking it to liaise with the Iranian navy as well, and had instructed the Royal Thai Navy to contact the Iranian navy directly. Read more at:
https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/economy/40063888
