Trinuch has set up a War Room to care for Thai workers in the Middle East, revealing that the situation remains stable with violence limited to specific areas. No workers have been injured or killed, and fewer than 50 have requested to return to Thailand out of nearly 60,000 workers.
On 4 March 2026, Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, updated on the care of Thai workers amid unrest in the Middle East. She stated that the ministry has taken proactive steps following the Prime Minister's concerns by establishing a War Room to closely monitor the situation and plan responses at four levels: stable, severe, prolonged, and crisis, to ensure the safety of all Thai workers.
The Labour Minister said that, based on joint assessments with labour attachés, the situation remains stable with violence confined to strategic military zones only. There has been no impact on residential areas or agricultural and construction sites where most Thai workers reside. Discussions with Middle Eastern labour attachés confirm no Thai workers have been injured or killed. Initial coordination shows that fewer than 50 Thai workers in Iran wish to return, with the ministry planning repatriation between 7 and 10 March.
In Israel, approximately 28,000 Thai workers currently reside (out of a total database of 58,000). Recently, about 50 workers have expressed their intention to return to Thailand.
The Labour Minister emphasized that the ministry has prepared comprehensive support measures. Regarding expenses, workers who traveled under government-to-government (G2G) agreements will receive assistance from the Overseas Employment Fund. Those recruited through private companies will be monitored to ensure the companies fulfill their contractual responsibilities.
Regarding communication, the ministry has ordered provincial labour officers nationwide to visit workers' homes and use applications to maintain contact with workers' families in Thailand, aiming to reduce anxiety.
Regarding employment, the Department of Employment and the Department of Skill Development have been assigned to prepare plans for job placements and skills training courses to enhance capabilities once workers return to Thailand.
"We focus on integrated cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure assistance to Thai workers is rapid and as safe as possible," the Labour Minister stated.