DEPUTY Prime Minister/Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said at parliament today (April 9) that his ministry is actively pursuing urgent negotiations with Iran to reach a deal on allowing Thai ships and oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, PPTVHD said this evening.
Iran has requested specific details about each vessel and at a meeting today information about the remaining ships and their contents, including goods on board and their final destination, was relayed.
During a visit to Oman on April 15-16, the minister will also discuss with senior Omani officials how to effectively communicate with Iran.
When asked about concerns raised by Democrat deputy leader Chaichana Dejdecho during today’s parliamentary debate regarding a Thai oil tanker allegedly illegally delivering oil to Singapore, Sihasak replied that officials had contacted the vessel to return to Thailand.
“Regarding the ship that went to Singapore, I am unaware of the details, but this is important. We have to confirm that the ship must travel only to Thailand, because we are making this request on behalf of Thailand,” he said.
When asked about the progress of negotiations to purchase oil from Russia, Sihasak said there are details being considered by the Energy Ministry and PTT Plc.
In principle, Russia can sell oil to Thailand, but whether this will be carried out depends on the details currently being discussed. It has to be considered whether Russian oil is suitable for Thai refineries, and there are also issues with payment through the banking system, which must be carefully studied because such payments could lead to sanctions, plus there are also obstacles to money transfers, he added.
CAPTION:
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Above photo – PPTVHD36, Front Page photo – Amarin TV
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