A Thai oil tanker is on its way back to Thailand after safely passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to an official and the oil major that owns the vessel.

The Bangchak Corporation-owned tanker crossed the waterway on Monday, after talks between Thai foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Iran’s ambassador to the Southeast Asian country.

Bangchak and a source in the Thai foreign ministry said no payment was involved for the safe passage of the vessel, which had been anchored in the Persian Gulf since 11 March.

“I requested that if Thai ships need to pass through the strait, could they assist in ensuring safe passage?” Sihasak said last night.

“They responded that they would take care of it and asked us to provide the names of the vessels that would be transiting.” 

Ships have stopped travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for the global flow of oil, since the Iran war started, causing widespread disruption. 

In the early hours of this morning, Iran repeated its claim that “non-hostile vessels” can pass through the Strait of Hormuz (see our 2:27 post).

Tehran’s mission to the UN said this can take place “provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with declared safety and security regulations”.

Elsewhere in Southeast Asia

The Philippines’ president has expressed confidence his country would have enough energy supplies and a flow of oil beyond 45 days.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who declared a state of energy emergency yesterday, said he is exploring sources of oil not affected by the war.

The president said a government analysis showed there should be no problems with supply.

In Japan, meanwhile,  Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi asked International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol for an additional coordinated release of oil stockpile when they met today, Jiji Press reported.