Bangkok: Three crew members of the Mayuree Naree ship have initiated legal action against their captain and employer, Precious Shipping Public Company Limited, citing hazardous working conditions and unfair dismissal. The lawsuit, filed in the Central Labor Court on Rama IV Road, involves several parties including Precious Flowers Company Limited, Great Circle Shipping Agency Company Limited, and the ship's captain, Sathaporn Hoksai. The claim centers on the employer's directive to navigate the ship through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran on March 11, 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, the crew members, represented by lawyer Kantaphat Singthong, allege tortious conduct and demand compensation for illnesses and the potential impact on their future employment prospects. The lawsuit addresses Sections 420 and 425 of the Civil and Commercial Code, underscoring the employer's responsibility for putting employees in perilous situations. The Strait of Hormuz had been closed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, prohibiting unauthorized passage, leading to an attack on the Mayuree Naree that resulted in fatalities.
Mr. Kantaphat highlighted the crew members' pursuit of legal recourse as a last resort after unsuccessful discussions with their employer. The attack has left the crew suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), impeding their ability to lead normal lives. The legal representative emphasized the necessity for the court to evaluate the protection and compensatory measures owed to the affected crew members, considering their ongoing medical needs and the psychological impact of the incident.
He further explained the potential ramifications on the crew's careers, given their PTSD diagnosis and heightened sensitivity to loud noises. The employer had previously compensated them for February and March, but the contracts were originally intended for nine months, leaving the crew members seeking full compensation. The emotional and professional toll of the experience raises significant concerns about the crew's future employment in the maritime industry.
Crew member Panithi Tumkaew, who has been with the company for 11 years, expressed distress over his termination under the guise of recovery time for his PTSD. The condition has severely affected his life, causing him anxiety and an exaggerated response to noise, rendering him unable to find new employment. The Thai News Agency reports that the court has acknowledged the case, assigning it number R 2990/2569, with a preliminary hearing set for September 28th at 9:00 AM.