Thai sailors sue Precious Shipping over Hormuz attack

Three former crew members of the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree (2007) filed a lawsuit on July 10, 2026, against Precious Shipping Co., two affiliated companies (Precious Flowers and Great Circle Shipping Agency), and the ship's captain Sathaporn Hoksee at the Thailand — Central Labour Court in Bangkok. The ship was struck by two projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11, 2026, during the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, killing three crew members and leaving 20 others rescued. The plaintiffs—Panithi Tumkaew, Noppadon Wongsuvan, and Surades Manpuen—allege that the defendants endangered their lives by ordering the vessel to transit the strait despite known security risks, and that they were unfairly dismissed after the attack rendered the ship inoperable. They seek damages of at least 1 million baht ($30,000) each, citing post-traumatic stress disorder diagnoses that prevent them from returning to work as sailors. The court accepted the petition and scheduled the first hearing for September 28. Precious Shipping has denied responsibility, stating it fulfilled its legal obligations and provided support. The lawsuit highlights the human cost of the conflict on seafarers and raises questions about employer liability in conflict zones.