Bangkok: The National Security Council has issued a warning to Thai citizens to steer clear of conflict zones and protest areas as tensions escalate in the Middle East. The Center for Emergency Situation Administration (CESA) reported significant progress in repatriating Thais from Iran, with 23 individuals already returned and another 69 in preparation for departure. Some of these individuals are expected to arrive in Thailand soon.
According to Thai News Agency, the Center for Monitoring and Managing the Conflict in the Middle East (CMC) has adjusted its daily briefing schedule to 11:00 AM, effective today. Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the region's volatile situation, marked by ongoing missile and drone attacks. Recent incidents include assaults on oil refineries in Bahrain and various areas in Lebanon, resulting in rising casualties. Despite calls for peace, no negotiations have resumed among the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Thai nationals to avoid travel to affected regions and to consider leaving high-risk areas. Thai citizens are advised to register their whereabouts with the relevant Embassy and Consulate-General. Qatar Airways has resumed some flights, with confirmed routes to Bangkok starting tomorrow.
Efforts to assist Thai citizens in affected areas include:
- Iran: The first group of 23 Thais evacuated on March 7th has returned to Thailand. A second group of 69 is en route to Turkey today, with some expected to return to Thailand tomorrow. Coordination is ongoing between the Department of Consular Affairs and Thai embassies in Tehran and Ankara.
- Iraq: The Royal Thai Embassy in Amman, Jordan, is facilitating the evacuation of 14 Thai nationals to a temporary operations center in Turkey for repatriation.
- Other Countries: The Royal Thai Embassy and Consulate-General are providing assistance and coordinating with airlines to enable Thai citizens' return. They are also working with agencies in countries with closed airspace to allow crossings to neighboring countries.
A total of 351 Thai citizens have been successfully repatriated from the Middle East. The Thai government urges citizens to avoid conflict zones and protests and reaffirms its commitment to peace, advocating for diplomatic resolutions to prevent further escalation. The safety of Thai citizens remains a top priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.