BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand has completed evacuation plans for its citizens in the Middle East, where tensions have escalated following regional conflict and reports of military activity. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai said the country is fully prepared to evacuate Thai nationals if necessary, with designated routes, travel timelines, and contingency procedures already in place.
Most Thai citizens in the affected countries are migrant workers with job commitments, not tourists. In Iran, approximately 300 Thai nationals are currently residing, and evacuation by land could take up to nine hours. Authorities have reviewed and coordinated evacuation routes in advance to ensure a timely response if required.
In Israel, where between 30,000 and 40,000 Thais are working, the situation remains stable, and most have not yet requested repatriation. Evacuation procedures in this case would take roughly one hour. All necessary aircraft and personnel are on standby, and the government stands ready to respond immediately should the situation deteriorate.
Phumtham also addressed concerns over reports that Thai citizens might be charged up to 10,000 US dollars to evacuate from Iran, dismissing the claim and confirming that Thai nationals will not bear such costs. All logistics and cross-border arrangements have already been accounted for.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely through diplomatic channels and local networks. Thai citizens in affected areas have been advised of their options and the steps that will be taken should an evacuation be initiated. (NNT)
