Bangkok: The Center for Situation Administration (CSAA) has issued a warning for Thai citizens to evacuate the Middle East as tensions in the region continue to rise, with two additional evacuation rounds planned.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed the escalating situation in the Middle East. The region is witnessing frequent airstrikes, particularly in Iran, Israel, and Iraq. Iran is persistently targeting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, focusing on ports, airports, and energy infrastructure. Concurrently, military infrastructure across Iran, including crude oil export facilities on Kharg Island, is under attack from the United States and Israel, with reports of Israeli strikes near protest zones in Tehran.
Mr. Panidol emphasized the need for Thai citizens in high-risk areas to evacuate promptly, stay informed through embassy advisories, and register their location with relevant embassies. He also updated on the safe departure of 20 crew members from the cargo ship Mayuri Nari from Thailand. Efforts to rescue three remaining crew members involve coordination with Iranian authorities, with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew discussing the situation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The talks also covered safe passage for Thai ships through the Strait of Hormuz and stressed a return to diplomacy for peaceful resolution.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively engaging with Omani and Iranian embassies to monitor the situation of the stranded crew members, stressing the seriousness of the matter. Mr. Panidol assured that despite the temporary relocation of the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran to Turkey, assistance and coordination efforts continue.
Plans for the evacuation of Thai citizens include scheduled rounds on March 17th and 25th, 2026, with further arrangements to be made based on evolving circumstances. Thai nationals are urged to register with the embassy to facilitate their return. A total of 952 Thai nationals have been evacuated from the Middle East and have safely returned to Thailand.