BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has said the government is continuing to assess developments in the Middle East while preparing contingency plans to assist Thai nationals in Iran. The update followed discussions with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and former National Assembly President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha regarding Thailand’s approach amid the ongoing conflict.
Phiphat said the consultations supported maintaining a neutral stance while closely observing the evolving situation. Authorities will continue monitoring developments as conditions can change quickly, and further consultations may take place if the situation intensifies. Security measures are also being maintained at the embassies of countries involved in the conflict in Thailand to prevent potential incidents.
The government is also preparing assistance for about 200 Thai nationals currently in Iran. Preliminary plans involve evacuating citizens overland from Tehran to Türkiye, a journey of roughly 1,000 kilometers, after which they could travel onward to Thailand. Officials said safety conditions along the route are still under review because the situation on the ground remains uncertain.
If the evacuation proceeds, chartered commercial aircraft are expected to transport Thai nationals from Türkiye back to Thailand. Authorities said this option would allow travel through Turkish airspace and could be more practical than deploying Royal Thai Air Force aircraft. The Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran will continue to monitor conditions and coordinate updates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies. (NNT)
