Three former crew members of a Thai cargo ship that was struck in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year have filed a lawsuit against the vessel's operator, alleging labour rights violations and unfair dismissal after surviving the deadly attack. The case was submitted to the Central Labour Court in Bangkok on Friday. The lawsuit has been filed by former crew members Panithi Tumkaew, Noppadon Wongsuvan and Surades Manpuen against Precious Shipping Co., two affiliated companies and the captain of the cargo vessel Mayuree Naree.

The ship was hit by a projectile north of Oman on March 11, killing three people. The remaining 20 crew members were rescued and returned to Thailand about a week later. According to the plaintiffs' lawyer, Kunpat Singhathong, the lawsuit alleges that the defendants endangered the crew by continuing to sail through the Strait of Hormuz despite heightened security risks in the region. He argued that the company failed in its duty to protect the safety and welfare of its employees by operating in an area affected by escalating tensions. Kunpat further alleged that the three crew members were dismissed before completing their nine-month employment contracts after the attack left the vessel inoperable.

Although they reportedly received compensation equivalent to two months' salary, the lawyer said the amount was insufficient considering the long-term psychological impact of the incident. The former sailors have since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which, according to their lawyer, has left them unable to return to work at sea for the foreseeable future. "We tried to negotiate with the company, but it denied responsibility, so we believe the matter should be brought to the court," Kunpat said before filing the case. While declining to disclose the exact amount being sought, Kunpat said each of the three plaintiffs is seeking compensation exceeding one million Thai baht (around $30,000).

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The claims are expected to cover damages related to lost income, alleged unfair dismissal and the lasting effects of the trauma experienced during the attack. One of the plaintiffs, Panithi Tumkaew, who said he had worked for Precious Shipping for more than a decade, described the emotional toll the incident has taken on his life. He said his wife encouraged him to seek medical treatment after noticing significant changes in his behaviour following his return home. "When there are loud noises, I'll get startled. I can't work now, and I have to take medication," Panithi said, describing symptoms associated with PTSD.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and cargo traffic. In recent years, vessels operating in the region have faced increased security threats linked to geopolitical tensions and military confrontations, prompting shipping companies to adopt enhanced safety measures. Precious Shipping had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting. The case is expected to test the legal responsibilities of shipping operators toward crew members working in conflict-prone maritime zones, particularly regarding workplace safety, employment rights and compensation following attacks at sea.

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