Mr Julapun said today (Apr 10) that he has assigned the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare to coordinate with the private company concerned regarding the repatriation process.
He thanked the firm for its cooperation and for working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The bodies are expected to arrive during Songkran to allow families to carry out religious rites, reports the Bangkok Post.
Compensation for the victims’ families is being provided in accordance with the Maritime Labour Act, with the employees having fully complied with legal requirements, he said. The compensation is expected to be sufficient to help the families move forward, he added.
Officials from the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare will hold further discussions on the details today, with a positive outcome anticipated.
On Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow confirmed the deaths of the three Thai crew members, who went missing following the attack on the vessel MV Mayuree Naree in the Strait of Hormuz last month amid the Middle East conflict.
The Thai flagged bulk carrier was struck by Iranian missiles on Mar 11. Twenty Thai crew members were rescued by the Omani navy, while three were initially reported missing.
According to Mr Julapun, there are currently more than 66,000 Thai workers employed in the Middle East. So far, only about 900 have expressed a desire to return to Thailand, with an additional 60 submitting requests recently.
“As the situation continues to evolve, authorities will conduct further surveys to assess whether more workers wish to return. The total number remains uncertain and should not be assumed to rise steadily,” he said.
He added that once workers return, the Labour Ministry will prepare long-term measures to support their reintegration, including upskilling and reskilling programmes within the country, as well as exploring new overseas job opportunities for those wishing to work abroad in the future.