BANGKOK, Thailand – The Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East held a press briefing at 11:00 a.m. on March 14, 2026, at Government House to provide updates on regional developments and support for Thai nationals affected by the conflict.
The briefing was delivered by Panidone Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour.
Panidone reported that the situation in the Middle East remains volatile and now affects more than military targets. Iran has increased attacks on energy infrastructure, maritime routes, and cyber systems linked to the United States and Israel in several countries. Israeli forces and Hezbollah continue to exchange heavy attacks, especially along the Israel–Lebanon border and in Beirut. Fighting in Iraq has also intensified. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Thai nationals to leave high-risk areas as soon as possible and to follow updates and advisories from Thai embassies and consulates. Thai nationals should also register their contact information with the relevant diplomatic missions.
On March 13, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs attended the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East, which Thailand proposed and the Philippines chaired as ASEAN Chair. The meeting recognized that regional tensions remain high, called for an immediate end to violence and a return to diplomatic solutions, and reaffirmed adherence to international law, especially the principles of freedom of navigation and overflight.
The meeting also addressed potential impacts on ASEAN, such as disruptions to shipping routes and energy supply chains that could affect regional economic stability. Thailand proposed strengthening consular cooperation through embassy networks in affected areas and enhancing collaboration under the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement to ensure effective implementation. The proposal also included accelerating the transition to renewable and alternative energy sources.
The briefing included updates on assistance for Thai nationals. Twenty Thai crew members from a cargo vessel involved in an incident near the Strait of Hormuz have received emergency passports and are being transported from Khasab to Muscat International Airport for their return to Thailand. Four crew members are scheduled to arrive in Thailand on the morning of March 16, 2026. Efforts are ongoing to locate and assist three missing crew members.
Authorities also confirmed that seven Thai nationals who recently departed Iran safely returned to Thailand earlier on March 14, 2026. Thai diplomatic missions in the region continue to assist nationals seeking to return home. Since the escalation of the conflict, 591 Thai nationals have been assisted in returning to Thailand from the Middle East.
The Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Thai nationals affected by the conflict and facilitating their safe departure from high-risk areas at the earliest opportunity. (NNT)
