BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s foreign ministry on Wednesday urged its citizens to leave high-risk areas in the Middle East “as soon as possible,” specifically designating Iran as a top-priority zone for evacuation as regional volatility persists.
Panidone Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Information Department and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told a press briefing that while there are currently no reports of Thai nationals killed or injured, the situation remains “highly sensitive.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Thais in the region to follow news closely, strictly adhere to local warnings, and consider leaving high-risk countries immediately,” he said.
The Thai government has approved a two-phase evacuation plan for citizens in Iran, with the first group scheduled to depart on March 7 and a second on March 10. So far, 138 Thais have registered for the flights.
The ministry provided updates on several other locations across the region, noting that nearly 100 Thais, including a group of students and teachers from Dubai, returned to Thailand on March 4. In Qatar, despite localized attacks and airspace closures, officials have successfully contacted 43 out of 46 Thai nationals in the country, reporting that most remain in good spirits while the government coordinates future travel.
Evacuation efforts also continue in Iraq and Jordan, with some citizens already departing via Turkey or scheduled commercial flights. However, 20 Thai nationals currently in Baghdad and Karbala have opted to remain in the area for the time being to monitor the situation before deciding whether to leave.
Separately, the ministry dismissed reports claiming Thailand had signed a treaty under the Indo-Pacific framework allowing the United States to use the country as a military base, calling the rumors “untrue.”
To assist foreign travelers affected by Middle East flight cancellations, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced it would waive fines for overstaying visitors and allow 30-day visa extensions. The government has established a dedicated monitoring center to manage the impact on the tourism sector and assist stranded travelers in major hubs like Phuket and Bangkok. (TNA)
