" Foreign Minister Sihasak highlighted the urgent evacuation of Thai nationals from Iran to Turkey before arranging their return flights to Thailand. He confirmed the Thai embassy's safety despite being targeted for attacks, while 10 diplomatic officials await assessment after the evacuation process completes.
On 3 March 2026, Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke about assessing the conflict situation in the Middle East. He noted that embassies coordinate with local governments to prepare safe zones for citizens. Thailand is closely monitoring the situation, stressing the government's priority to urgently bring all Thai nationals from Iran back to Thailand. Those wishing to return should notify authorities promptly to determine their travel routes. For example, some airspace may be open in the United Arab Emirates, allowing airlines to operate flights back home. The government is working to secure enough plane tickets, similar to efforts in Bahrain. Simultaneously, the government must ensure all Thai nationals are safe, especially those near U.S. military bases in high-risk areas.
Regarding how the current Middle East conflict compares with the 2024 Israel fighting, Mr. Sihasak explained that this conflict covers a much wider area, including Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, and Cyprus. This represents a significant difference in geographic scope and Thai population numbers. Previously, about 40,000 Thais were estimated in the affected area; now, the estimate exceeds 100,000.
Mr. Sihasak reiterated that evacuating Thai nationals residing in Iran is the top priority. For other areas, plans are already in place detailing locations and procedures, so unnecessary panic is discouraged. In Israel, a missile defense system exists, and about 65,000 Thai nationals prefer to stay, trusting the safety measures in place.
Furthermore, Mr. Sihasak stated that in Iran, the situation warrants the use of the term 'evacuation,' whereas in other locations it is considered facilitation. The Thai embassy in Iran, staffed by approximately 10 officials, is in a targeted area but has not yet been affected. He affirmed that the embassy is cautious but that the situation is unpredictable and requires close monitoring. Decisions about evacuating embassy staff depend on necessity; once the Thai nationals are fully evacuated, officials also hope to withdraw everyone. Initially, evacuees will be transported to Turkey to check available flights or possibly charter a plane from Egypt for their return.