Three Mayuree Naree Crew Sue Employer for Unfair Dismissal

Three crew members of the Mayuree Naree—Panidit Tumkaew (42), Nopphadon Wongsuwarn (33), and Suradej Maenpeun (32)—filed suit at the Central Labor Court on Rama IV Road against Precious Shipping Public Co. Ltd. (PSL), Precious Flowers Co. Ltd., Great Circle Shipping Agency Co. Ltd., and Captain Sathapon Hoksai. The crew alleges wrongful termination and seeks compensation for occupational hazards and psychological harm under Thai Civil and Commercial Code sections 420 and 425.

The dispute stems from orders to navigate the Hormuz Strait on March 11, 2026, during U.S.-Iranian military tensions. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had declared the strait closed to foreign vessels, yet the employer sent the ship through anyway. The Mayuree Naree was attacked, resulting in casualties. All three crew members have since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and are unable to work.

Attorney Kanthaphat Singtong stated that the crew received only two months of compensation (February-March) before being terminated in April, despite their nine-month contracts. The employer denied responsibility in prior negotiations. The crew argues they have lost their livelihoods due to trauma and fear of loud noises, requiring ongoing medical care. Panidit noted he worked for the company since 2015—11 years—and received regular wages until the incident. The employer claimed termination was for medical leave due to PTSD's impact on daily functioning, but the crew contends they deserve full contractual compensation and medical coverage.