Bangkok: Academics point out that the successful passage of the SCG ship through Hormuz reflects the effectiveness of the government's work, citing the role of Prime Minister Sihasak in proactively pursuing diplomatic strategies to resolve the crisis.
According to Thai News Agency, Associate Professor Dr. Olar Thinbangtiao, a lecturer at the Faculty of Political Science, Burapha University, commented on the safe passage of a ship belonging to Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG) through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the event was not merely "good news" in terms of the situation, but reflected the "efficiency of the state" in managing international crises in a tangible way, amidst global geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, which is considered a vital artery of the global energy system.
Associate Professor Dr. Olar stated that this success is directly linked to the role of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, who clearly pursued a proactive diplomatic policy through his official visit to Oman and used bilateral relations as a key mechanism to coordinate with Iran in resolving the situation in the high-risk area.
This action reflects the potential of Thai diplomacy, which is not limited to rituals or symbolic statements, but can transform into tangible results that directly impact national security, particularly in the dimensions of energy security and international trade.
In the case of SCG's oil tankers, belonging to a large Thai private sector company with a significant role in the industrial supply chain, the ability to safely exit the hazardous area helps alleviate pressure on logistics and energy costs, which could have a ripple effect on the domestic economy.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Olar also emphasized that this event occurred during a time of high vulnerability in the Middle East. Policy decisions therefore required both diplomatic precision and a continuously built network of international relationships. Coordination through Oman as a "diplomatic intermediary" serves as an example of the effective use of a multi-layered strategic relationship approach.
Overall, this success is not just about rescuing one cargo ship, but about building "systemic confidence" among the public that the Thai government remains capable of protecting national interests in the context of a global crisis, especially in the energy sector, which is a fundamental factor in economic stability.
Ultimately, this case reflects the image of a 'functioning state' that can seamlessly integrate diplomacy, economic policy, and security, reinforcing the role of policy leadership that can build long-term societal confidence.