BANGKOK — Three Thai survivors of a deadly attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz have petitioned Thailand's Labour Court for damages of at least 1 million baht ($30,000) each, alleging their employer failed to adequately protect and compensate them after the incident.
The former crew members of the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree filed the case on Friday against shipping company Precious Shipping, arguing the company was negligent in allowing the vessel to sail through a high-risk conflict zone in March, despite escalating security threats in the region.
The attack occurred during the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, when the Strait of Hormuz became increasingly dangerous for commercial shipping. The Mayuree Naree was struck while transiting the strategic waterway, killing three crew members and forcing the remaining 20 sailors to abandon ship before being rescued. Iranian Revolutionary Guards had previously warned that vessels in the area could be targeted.
According to court filings, the three plaintiffs have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and contend the trauma has affected their ability to work. They argue that compensation received from the company, including two months' wages and reimbursement for lost personal belongings, falls short of international labour standards and does not adequately reflect the physical and psychological harm they suffered.
Thailand's Labour Court has agreed to consider the petition, marking what could become a closely watched case for employer liability involving commercial shipping through conflict zones.
Precious Shipping has denied wrongdoing, saying it complied with all applicable legal and contractual obligations toward its crew and continued to provide support after the attack. The company has maintained that it acted appropriately under the circumstances, according to statements cited in court documents and previous public comments.
The March attack also prompted a diplomatic response from Bangkok. Thailand's Foreign Ministry summoned Iran's ambassador, sought clarification over the strike and demanded an official apology after the vessel was hit while carrying 23 Thai crew members. Iran later acknowledged that its forces had fired on the ship, according to statements reported at the time.
The lawsuit comes as the maritime industry continues to assess the legal and financial consequences of attacks on commercial shipping linked to regional conflict. The Labour Court has not announced when it will begin substantive hearings on the case.
