Thailand’s Response: March 2026 Updates from Middle East Situation Center

Find Thailand NOW’s coverage of official statements, briefings, and verified developments from Thailand’s Joint Press Center on the Middle East Situation during March 2026.

Thailand secures safe passage through Hormuz, remains vigilant

BANGKOK, 30 March 2026 – Thailand’s Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East said tensions in the Middle East have intensified, with growing disruption to transit routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Panidone Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said authorities are closely monitoring the direct impact on commercial shipping and cargo transport, with particular attention paid to Thai interests in the affected waterways.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has successfully negotiated the safe passage of certain Thai commercial vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz. However, with the situation still uncertain, the government is continuing talks with international partners and relevant parties to protect Thai nationals and the Kingdom’s interests.

A working group made up of relevant agencies has been established to develop a more coordinated system to assist the remaining Thai commercial vessels still in the strait. The group is expected to begin work as soon as possible.

With Israeli airspace still largely closed and flights limited, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv is coordinating with neighboring embassies, particularly in Jordan, to help Thai nationals in Israel return home.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat said it has not received reports of Thai nationals injured in Oman, while urging Thais in Yemen to exercise caution.

Since the crisis began, 1,532 Thai nationals have been assisted in returning to Thailand or traveling onward to third-party countries.

Thai evacuations ongoing as Iran rejects U.S. ceasefire proposal

BANGKOK, 27 March 2026 – Thailand’s Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East has reported that while diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States continue, the Middle East remains volatile, with continued retaliatory attacks spilling over across the region.

Panidone Pachimsawat,Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Iran had thus far rejected a U.S. ceasefire proposal and set conditions for ending the conflict, which include recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

On March 25th, eight Thai nationals safely travelled overland from Iran to Türkiye and are expected to return to Thailand on March 28th. So far, 1,501 Thais have been assisted in returning home or relocating to third countries.

The Thai government said it remains committed to ensuring the safe departure of Thai nationals from affected areas. The Foreign Ministry continues to urge Thai nationals in high-risk areas to consider evacuating and to follow official advisories. Thai citizens are also encouraged to register with embassies and consulates.

Meanwhile, the status of three Thai crew members aboard the cargo vessel Mayuree Naree remains unclear following a joint operation involving Iran and Oman.

Separately, Bancha Yuenyongchongcharoen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs and Phichet Tongpan, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Labor, along with Dvora Dorsman Yarkoni, Deputy Chief of Mission for the Embassy of Israel to Thailand, attended a memorial ceremony held at Suvarnabhhumi Airport for Chaiwat Waewnil, a Thai national who was killed in a March 18th attack on Israel.

To strengthen ties with the United States, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow is scheduled to visit Hawaii from March 29th to April 1st. He will discuss regional security cooperation with Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), and General Ronald P. Clark, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC).

Thailand continues evacuations, monitors Hormuz access amid ongoing Middle East tensions

BANGKOK, 25 March 2026 – Thailand is continuing evacuation efforts and closely monitoring maritime security as the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, with ongoing retaliatory attacks and uncertainty surrounding diplomatic developments.

According to the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East, exchanges of strikes between key parties persist, alongside continued attacks affecting Gulf countries, most of which have been intercepted. Despite signals from the United States indicating ongoing negotiations with Iran, Tehran has denied such talks. Reports suggest Washington has proposed a 15-point framework that includes provisions to ensure the permanent reopening of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, Iran maintains that the strait remains closed, allowing passage only for vessels from non-hostile countries. The situation continues to pose risks to global shipping and energy flows, with the possibility of further escalation if diplomatic efforts fail.

Thai authorities have reiterated their call for nationals in high-risk areas to leave as soon as possible, remain vigilant, and stay updated through official embassy channels. Citizens are also encouraged to register their contact details with Thai diplomatic missions to facilitate assistance.

On the ground, evacuation efforts are ongoing. Four Thai nationals returning from Iran via Türkiye arrived safely in Thailand this morning, with another group of eight expected to follow shortly. In total, 1,486 Thai nationals have now been assisted in departing from the Middle East to Thailand or third countries.

Efforts are also continuing to assist three Thai crew members still believed to be aboard the cargo vessel Mayuree Naree. Thai officials are coordinating with Iran and Oman, which have reportedly reached the vessel, although confirmation of the crew members’ status remains pending.

Thailand has expressed appreciation to Iran, Oman, and other partner countries for facilitating assistance and ensuring maritime safety. One Thai oil tanker has already safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz and is en route to Thailand, while another vessel is currently awaiting clearance.

Separately, the remains of a Thai worker killed in Israel are scheduled to arrive in Thailand on March 26th. Authorities have extended support and condolences to the family.

The Thai government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its citizens and ensuring their safe evacuation from high-risk areas as quickly as possible, while continuing to closely monitor developments in the region.

Thailand caps fuel prices as global oil surges, evacuates workers from Iran

BANGKOK, 23 March 2026 – Thailand is stepping up measures to cushion the domestic impact of surging global energy prices, while continuing evacuation efforts for nationals affected by the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

According to the Joint Management and Monitoring Center, global crude oil prices have risen sharply by around 122 percent, reaching approximately US$158 per barrel amid ongoing disruptions to energy infrastructure and shipping routes.

The situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile, with major parties, including Hezbollah, continuing exchanges of attacks during a period overlapping with Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remain elevated, as the United States has called for the reopening of key shipping lanes within 48 hours. A joint statement by 22 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and several Gulf states, has also urged the protection of safe passage through the strategic waterway.

In a potential move to ease global supply pressures, the U.S. has issued a temporary authorization allowing the sale of Iranian oil stored on tankers, which could release an estimated 140 million barrels into the market.

To shield consumers from volatility, Thailand’s Ministry of Energy is deploying the Oil Fuel Fund to stabilize domestic retail prices. Diesel is being maintained at about THB31.40 per liter, while Gasohol E10 remains at THB33.05 per liter. Authorities note that the levels are still lower than those in neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Vietnam.

The Ministry of Commerce has meanwhile placed 59 essential goods under strict price controls, covering items such as processed foods, milk, and agricultural fertilizers. Authorities are also expanding Blue Flag outlets nationwide and distributing discounted Green Flag fertilizers to help ease living costs.

Additionally, officials have stepped up inspections across Bangkok and surrounding areas to ensure businesses comply with pricing regulations and do not exploit the situation.

Regarding Thai nationals abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its call for citizens in high-risk areas to leave as soon as possible and to stay updated through official embassy channels.

A total of 1,475 Thai nationals have now been assisted in departing affected areas to Thailand or third countries.

In Israel, authorities confirmed that one Thai worker was killed in an explosion. The Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv has urged Thai nationals to exercise heightened caution and strictly follow safety guidance.

Evacuation efforts continue across the region. In addition to the 14 Thai workers recently evacuated from Bandar Abbas, Iran by sea to Türkiye, Thai embassies in Tehran and Ankara are coordinating the overland evacuation of 11 more nationals, comprising four workers and seven students, for onward travel back to Thailand.

The Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to assisting all nationals seeking to leave high-risk areas as quickly and safely as possible.

Thailand alarmed at infrastructure attacks, reports 104 days of fuel 

BANGKOK, 20 March 2026 – Thailand is closely monitoring the escalating conflict in the Middle East, as attacks spread beyond military targets to critical infrastructure, raising concerns over global energy supplies and the safety of Thai nationals in the region.

The Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East reported that recent strikes have affected key industrial areas, including facilities linked to oil and petrochemical production in Qatar.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Thai nationals in high-risk areas to leave as soon as possible and to stay updated through official embassy channels. Citizens are also encouraged to register their location with Thai embassies and consulates to receive assistance if needed.

Following the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv’s confirmation of one Thai worker’s death in Israel, Thai officials have contacted the family. The Ministry of Labor said compensation will be provided to the deceased worker’s family through relevant funds.

The Thai government has continued its evacuation efforts, with two Thai nationals already returning safely from Iran via Türkiye. Another four Thai citizens are expected to cross the border in the coming days. Overall, more than 1,200 Thai nationals have been assisted in leaving affected areas or relocating since the conflict began. The Labor Ministry is also using an official mobile application with location tracking to help authorities assist Thai workers abroad.

At home, the Ministry of Commerce reported that inspections of over 1,600 businesses show adequate inventories of essential goods, with prices remaining stable for the time being.

The Ministry of Energy, meanwhile, said Thailand’s oil reserves remain secure, with total supply estimated at around 104 days when accounting for both domestic stocks and imports in transit. Authorities have found no evidence of fuel stockpiling and are preparing contingency measures, such as expanding biofuel distribution.

Thailand coordinates 1,100+ evacuations from the Middle East

BANGKOK, 18 March 2026 – Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has ramped up emergency repatriation efforts across the Middle East as the regional security situation deteriorates.

With the strategic Strait of Hormuz now closed and the conflict expanding into a multi-front war, Thai officials are coordinating a complex land-and-air bridge to bring citizens home.

The MFA has issued a high-level advisory for Thai nationals in Israel to exercise “utmost caution,” expecting an intensification of strikes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. A number of countries have also condemned Israeli military operations in Lebanon, which have resulted in mass displacement and high casualty counts.

So far this week, the Thai government has successfully assisted 1,149 nationals in departing the region. Thais continue to flee Iran into Turkiye, with the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran (relocated to Van, Türkiye) to facilitate a large evacuation round scheduled for March 25th. Jordan has also been identified as a key transit point for Thais fleeing the conflict zone.

The MFA continues to urge all Thai nationals in high-risk areas to register their location with the nearest Thai diplomatic mission. While commercial flights remain available in certain sectors, the government is coordinating directly with airlines and distributing essential supplies to those awaiting departure.

At the proposal of Thailand, a Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was earlier convened on March 13th to address the economic fallout. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow had urged the bloc to utilize the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement to mitigate energy shortages.

952 Thai nationals return home amid escalating Middle East conflict

BANGKOK, 16 March 2026 – As uncertainty persists in the Middle East, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Thai nationals in high-risk areas to consider leaving as soon as possible. A total of 952 Thai nationals have returned from the Middle East so far.

Those remaining in the region are advised to closely follow updates from Royal Thai embassies and consulates and to register their residence and contact details with diplomatic missions.

The situation in the Middle East continues to escalate, with exchanges of airstrikes reported across several countries, particularly Iran, Israel, and Iraq. Iran has continued launching strikes against Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Iraq, and Jordan, including areas near ports, airports, and energy infrastructure. 

The United States and Israel have also carried out attacks on Iranian military sites, including a key crude oil export terminal on Kharg Island. Reports also say Israel struck locations near public gathering areas in Tehran.

Earlier on March 16th, 20 crew members of the Thai cargo ship Mayuree Naree arrived safely in Thailand and were welcomed on arrival by officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Labor. Their repatriation had been coordinated by the Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai, with support from authorities in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. 

Despite their ordeal aboard the ship and traveling for over 10 hours by road from Khasab to Muscat before flying to Thailand, the crew members were reportedly in good spirits.

Nonetheless, three Thai crew members remain on the ship. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has asked Iran to assist them and support safe passage for Thai vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

ASEAN calls for cessation of violence; Thailand diversifies energy imports

BANGKOK, 15 March 2026 – Regional tensions continue to escalate, with attacks on energy infrastructure, maritime routes, and cyber systems across the Middle East. Thai authorities have urged citizens in high-risk areas to consider leaving and to register with Thai embassies.

ASEAN foreign ministers, including Thailand’s Sihasak Phuangketkeow, convened a special meeting to discuss the crisis, calling for an immediate cessation of violence, respect for international law, and protection of global shipping routes. Thailand further proposed strengthening ASEAN consular cooperation and accelerating the transition to alternative energy.

Meanwhile, the 20 Thai crew members rescued from a cargo ship attack in the Strait of Hormuz are expected to return to Thailand on March 16th after travelling from Oman. The final group of seven Thai nationals evacuated from Iran have also arrived safely in Thailand on March 14th.

In total, 591 Thai nationals have returned home, as royal Thai embassies continue assisting citizens across the region.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas also made a statement aimed at bringing calm amid panic buying in the country, assuring the public that Thailand’s fuel supplies remains secure despite tensions in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Energy confirmed that Thailand has at least 96 days’ worth of crude oil reserves. Fuel providers including PTT, Bangchak, PT, Shell, Susco, and Caltex said service stations nationwide remain adequately supplied, although there have been some temporary shortages due to cases of hoarding. Authorities have urged the public to avoid hoarding, noting that logistics have been accelerated to stabilize fuel supply.

PTT, which manages about 60 percent of Thailand’s fuel supply, said it has diversified crude imports across the United States, West Africa, and Latin America to reduce exposure to regional disruptions.

Thailand lodges protest with Iran after cargo ship attack

BANGKOK, 13 March 2026 – Thailand has lodged a formal protest with Iran after following the attack on the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree in the Strait of Hormuz, as authorities continue efforts to assist affected crew members.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it summoned the Iranian ambassador to convey its strongest protest and requested an apology and clarification of the circumstances surrounding the incident. The ambassador expressed condolences and said Thailand’s concerns would be conveyed to authorities in Tehran.

Thai officials also raised concerns about escalating tensions in the region and urged all parties to exercise restraint, return to diplomatic dialogue, and ensure the safety of civilians.

On the same day, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow held a phone call with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. Thai officials thanked Oman for assisting in the rescue of the ship’s crew and requested expedited search efforts for three Thai crew members who are still missing. Oman reaffirmed its willingness to provide assistance.

The 20 rescued crew members are expected to travel overland from Khasab to Muscat before returning to Thailand. The Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat has issued emergency passports and is coordinating with diplomatic missions in the United Arab Emirates to facilitate cross-border transit.

The situation in the Middle East remains volatile. There have been reports of naval mines laid in the Strait of Hormuz and continued attacks on vessels near the United Arab Emirates, disrupting oil shipments.

Thailand has called a Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to exchange views on response measures and the bloc’s long-term preparedness.

Separately, Thai authorities confirmed that two groups of evacuees from Iran, totaling 64 people, have returned safely to Thailand. Thai embassies in the region continue assisting nationals with travel arrangements amid persistent airspace disruptions.

Thai authorities continue search & rescue for 3 missing crew

BANGKOK, 12 March 2026 – Panidone Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported that Thai authorities are continuing search & rescue efforts for three missing crew members after a Thai-flagged cargo vessel was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz.

The cargo ship Mayuree Naree, carrying 23 Thai sailors, was damaged at its stern while sailing near the strategic waterway after departing Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates.

Panidone said the Royal Navy of Oman rescued 20 crew members and transported them safely to Khasab, Oman. None of the rescued sailors suffered serious physical injuries, although mental health support is being arranged.

Search teams are continuing efforts to locate the three missing crew members, who are believed to have been in the engine room when the incident occurred. Omani naval personnel are conducting search operations inside the vessel, which remains at the scene and contains multiple internal levels with limited lighting.

A special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the situation in the Middle East is scheduled for March 13th to discuss regional responses.

Officials also provided updates on assistance to Thai nationals in affected countries. Groups of Thai workers from Iran have been transported through Türkiye, with dozens already returning to Thailand and others scheduled to arrive soon.

Thai nationals have also returned from Qatar on special flights, while commercial flights between Thailand and destinations such as Dubai and Tel Aviv have gradually resumed. Health screenings and mental health support are being arranged for returning citizens through airport screening systems and online consultation channels.

Thailand aids stranded citizens, rescues crew of attacked freight vessel

BANGKOK, 11 March 2026 – Thai authorities say they are monitoring the impact of the Middle East conflict while expanding consumer protection measures and assisting Thai nationals affected by the crisis.

Panidone Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the situation in Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Lebanon remains volatile. No Thai nationals have been reported injured or killed.

He said the first group of evacuees from Iran has returned to Thailand, while 68 people have arrived at a temporary coordination center in Van, Türkiye. A further 14 Thai nationals traveling from Iraq are heading to the same center, and 24 Thai nationals stranded in Qatar are scheduled to arrive in Bangkok on a special flight. About 380 Thai nationals have received assistance so far.

Authorities also warned of scammers posing as embassy staff and asking for payment for flights, stressing that Thai embassies do not charge such fees.

Separately, a Thai-flagged vessel came under attack in the Arabian Sea. The bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was fired upon while sailing from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates after completing cargo operations. Explosions at the rear of the ship and in the engine room caused a fire.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan said the Royal Navy of Oman rescued 20 Thai crew members and brought them safely ashore. Three crew members remain on board as rescue efforts continue.

Thai authorities are coordinating with the Combined Maritime Force in Bahrain to assist all 23 crew members and ensure their safe return to Thailand.

Additionally, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Santi Piyatat said the Office of the Consumer Protection Board has expanded its complaint hotline 1166 and stepped up retail inspections of essential goods, including packaged rice and household cooking gas.

Officials are also monitoring gold trading practices and reminding the public of their consumer rights. Retailers are being encouraged to accept multiple payment options, including cash, while authorities are increasing oversight of online sales channels to reduce the risk of fraud.

Thai evacuations continue as Iran names new Supreme Leader

BANGKOK, 9 March 2026 – According to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, with ongoing missile and drone attacks reported in Iran, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon. The ministry has continued to monitor developments closely, particularly threats to critical infrastructure.

On March 8th, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei.

Amid regional disruptions, Qatar Airways has begun operating special flights, including a Bangkok–Doha service on March 8th to transport stranded passengers. Thai authorities are assessing the possibility of return flights from Doha to Bangkok.

No Thai nationals have been reported injured or killed. The ministry has continued to urge citizens in high-risk areas to consider leaving and to register with Thai embassies.

Thailand has evacuated several groups of citizens from Iran, including 29 people who have already returned to Bangkok and 23 more expected to arrive on March 10th. So far, 322 Thai nationals have returned to Thailand.

Thai diplomatic missions across the region are also coordinating cross-border travel and flights from neighboring countries where airspace remains open.

Thailand brings home 292 nationals amid escalating Middle East tensions

BANGKOK, 8 March 2026 – No Thai nationals have been reported injured or killed. However, due to the uncertain situation, Thai citizens are being urged to consider leaving high-risk areas and to register their location and contact details with the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General.

In Iran, a group of 62 Thai nationals arrived safely in Türkiye by land on 7 March 2026. They were received at the Kapikoy border crossing by officials from Thailand’s Department of Consular Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy in Ankara.

The group travelled onward to the city of Van and will return to Thailand in two flights, scheduled to arrive on March 9th and 10th.

The Department of Consular Affairs coordinated the operation with the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran and the embassy in Ankara as part of the Thai government’s efforts to help citizens leave high-risk areas safely.

In Türkiye, the embassy in Ankara is also assisting Thai nationals crossing the border from Iraq in coordination with the Royal Thai Embassy in Amman. A group of 10 Thai nationals from Iraq arrived safely in Türkiye on March 7th and will return to Thailand from Istanbul.

In Qatar, Qatar Airways is operating emergency flights to bring stranded passengers from several cities in Europe and Bangkok back to Doha, although Qatar’s airspace remains closed to regular commercial flights.

So far, 292 Thai nationals have returned to Thailand. Thai embassies and consulates across the region will continue assisting citizens who wish to return home and coordinating with local authorities to expedite necessary procedures. Find the full summary here.

Thai Transport Ministry “war room” to track logistics disruptions

BANGKOK, 7 March 2026 – Panidone Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported that no Thai nationals have been reported injured or killed so far.

The first group of 62 Thai nationals from Tehran and Qom has departed Iran for Turkey, with another group scheduled to leave on March 10th. Thai officials in Van, Turkey are coordinating arrivals and border procedures, while 10 Thai nationals from Iraq are leaving by land for Mardin to catch flights home.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran will temporarily relocate operations to Van starting March 10th. In total, 215 Thai nationals have already returned to Thailand.

Several countries — Iran, Israel, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Qatar — have closed their airspace to commercial flights. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Jordan remain open and are serving as key evacuation hubs, while the UAE partially resumed flights on March 6th, including services to Bangkok via Air Arabia and Phuket via Emirates.

Jiraroth Sukolrat, Director-General of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, Ministry of Transport, reported that the Ministry of Transport, under Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan, has also activated a “war room” monitoring air, maritime, land, and rail transport.

Between February 28th and March 7th, disruptions led to 584 flight cancellations or delays, affecting a total of 78,564 passengers. Authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Airports of Thailand (AOT), and the Department of Airports (DOA), are assisting passengers with on-site personnel, immigration coordination, airline cooperation, and waiting facilities.

In maritime logistics, cargo shipments to Europe that normally transit the Middle East are being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, adding about 15 days to transit times and potentially increasing freight rates and port congestion. The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has been instructed to monitor the situation and mitigate impacts. Catch the full press briefing here.

Thailand steps up evacuation, energy, and domestic security measures

BANGKOK, 6 March 2026 – Panidone Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported that there have been no Thai casualties from the conflict in the Middle East so far.

In Iran, the number of Thai citizens registered for evacuations has climbed to 125, with 69 scheduled to depart on March 7th and 56 to depart on March 10th. Evacuees will travel to Turkey, where Thai officials will provide temporary accommodation before arranging flights back to Thailand. A temporary operations center will open in Van, Turkey to assist Thais leaving Iran. 

Royal Thai embassies across the region continue to coordinate emergency evacuations for Thai citizens as some airlines resume limited flights.

According to Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan, Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, Thai authorities are tightening security measures nationwide, including 24-hour monitoring of foreign embassies, airports, and key government sites, as well as increased border patrols and checkpoints.

Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy, reported that Thailand currently has oil reserves for about 95 days and has frozen diesel prices for 15 days from March 3rd to help manage living costs.

Authorities are also monitoring fuel stations to prevent shortages and/or fuel hoarding and are preparing alternative energy and additional supply measures to ensure stable electricity and fuel availability. See the full press briefing here.

No Thai casualties reported as consular officials assist evacuations

BANGKOK, 5 March 2026 – Panidone Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed that no Thai nationals have been reported injured or killed amid the ongoing Middle East tensions. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging citizens in high-risk areas to leave immediately and to register with Thai embassies and consulates for assistance. In Iran, 117 Thais have registered for evacuation, with the first two departures scheduled on March 7th and 10th. Thai consular officials are assisting evacuees transiting through Turkey.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh has advised Thais in Lebanon to leave while commercial flights remain available. Thai authorities are also monitoring Kuwait and Qatar and have opened a support center in Dammam, Saudi Arabia to facilitate travel. The Department of Mental Health has also launched an official LINE account to provide consultations for those residing in the region.

The Ministry of Labour has reported that there are 61,000 Thai workers employed in the region through its official channels. The Ministry has established a war room to track developments in the region and temporarily suspended labor deployments to high-risk areas. Thai workers are encouraged to register their locations for emergency assistance via the Smart TOEA mobile app. Meanwhile, Goranij Nonejuie, Inspector General and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce, has reported stable domestic fuel prices, sufficient supply, and no justification for price increases as of this report. The Ministry of Commerce is coordinating with the Ministry of Interior to conduct nationwide inspections to ensure orderly commercial activity and stable prices. FInd the full briefing here.

Benjamin Rujopakarn

Ben has worn several hats in broadcast television and radio news programs, culminating in his role as Head of Content at Bangkok-based digital marketing agency PAPER & PAGE (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Editor-in-Chief of Thailand NOW. Though he has extensive experience in media communications, Ben holds degrees in marine science and molecular biology from UNSW and UT Dallas, respectively.