Anutin said Thailand is maintaining the most neutral stance possible on the Middle East tensions, urging all parties to give priority to diplomatic negotiations. He acknowledged that the economy will definitely be affected.
On 1 March 2026 at 15:20, at Buriram International Circuit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul spoke about the clashes in the Middle East, saying that all agencies—including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Labor, Interior, Public Health, and Finance—are closely monitoring the situation and preparing to assist Thai nationals stranded in the affected countries. Tomorrow (2 March 2026), a National Security Council meeting will be convened to set measures for swift assistance and facilitation. He reassured there is no need to worry about evacuation. The Air Force Commander has been regularly reporting readiness to him. Currently, efforts focus on identifying and accounting for as many Thai nationals as possible and coordinating their pickup from safe locations, working closely with the Foreign Ministry, government, and military in full cooperation. When asked about Thailand's stance, Anutin said that Thailand must maintain the most neutral position possible but remains concerned because our compatriots are in those countries.He appealed to all partiesto prioritize diplomatic negotiations, dialogue, and mutual understanding to the greatest extent possible. We want our world to achieve peace as soon as possible.
When asked about economic impacts, Anutin confirmed they are inevitable. However, measures must be taken to minimize the effects. Wherever possible, assistance should be provided to ease burdens, reduce expenses and costs, including energy prices. He has instructed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Anek Niti Prasertsupha to find such measures. The Oil Fund must implement policies that benefit the Thai people as much as possible.
Anutin also commented on the Thai-Cambodian border situation, saying the clashes are currently under control. He plans to visit soldiers injured by stepping on a bomb in Surin province to offer encouragement, as he is already in the area today. This visit will allow him to see the border conditions and developments firsthand. Overall, the situation remains manageable with existing measures unchanged. There is no current plan to open border checkpoints or take any new actions regarding negotiations.