BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Foreign Ministry urged its citizens to depart Israel and Iran as quickly as possible as regional tensions rapidly escalate, confirming the first group of Thai laborers from Israel will return Monday night.
While offering 24-hour assistance, the ministry stated a full evacuation order has not yet been issued.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nikorndej Balangkura announced that 22 Thai laborers from Israel left by land on June 22, expected to arrive in Thailand at 7:20 PM local time on Monday. Another 12 are set to depart soon via neighboring countries, with nine on June 25 and three on July 3. The ministry is also exploring relocating some 3,000 Thai construction workers in Israel to safer neighboring nations or back to Thailand.
Regarding advice for Thai laborers in Israel, Nikorndej stressed the “serious recommendation” for Thais in both countries to leave due to high uncertainty and rapid escalation, assuring continuous embassy support. All departures are currently by land due to closed airspace. Embassy staff will remain until all Thais are safe, with an additional team deployed to Israel to assist.
In Iran, the Thai Embassy in Tehran safely facilitated the overland departure of a first group on June 21, with 73 more Thais currently seeking assistance to leave.
There are over 300 Thai nationals in Tehran. Due to volatility in Tehran, the Embassy has opened a temporary office, including a shelter and assistance center for Thai nationals, at a hotel in a border town near Iran. Thai citizens can contact the Embassy for assistance at the existing number. (TNA)
