Labor Minister Trinuch affirmed coordination with Thai nationals in the Middle East and readiness to facilitate their return to Thailand, revealing that about 200 workers in the Middle East have requested to travel back to the country.
At 10:30 a.m. on 7 March 2026, Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labor, spoke about the situation of Thai workers in Middle Eastern countries amid unrest. She said the government is concerned and continuously monitors the situation, with labor attachés coordinating withthe Ministry of Foreign Affairson the ground closely to care for Thai workers who wish to return home, with the government ready to provide assistance.
Ms. Trinuch stated that Thai workers have begun returning gradually, though in small numbers. In Israel, fewer than 100 workers wish to return, while in Iran, most workers want to go back. The Prime Minister has expressed concern and wishes for all Thai workers in Iran to return. Overall, the number of Thai workers requesting repatriation from the Middle East region does not exceed 200.
Additionally, the Ministry of Labor has prepared measures to handle the expanding conflict, dividing efforts into two parts: labor attachés abroad coordinating with Thai people locally, including securing safe areas. Most Thai workers are in agriculture and construction, while the attacked areas are mainly military zones, which limits the number wanting to return. Thai workers are expected to arrive back in Thailand on 7 and 10 March.
Once the workers arrive in Thailand, the government plans to provide care by assigningthe Department of Skill Developmentto help enhance their skills further, and if they wish to work, thenthe Department of Employmentwill assist in matching them with industries or businesses needing labor. Furthermore, the “Five Labor Chiefs” have been assigned to coordinate with the families of Thai workers in the Middle East to reassure and ease their concerns.