CAMMEC reported ongoing severe violence in the Middle East conflict, revealing that the first group of 62 Thais left Iran this morning and are nearing the Turkish border. So far, a total of 215 Thais have been assisted, with authorities emphasizing facilitation measures for their evacuation.
At 18:10 on 7 Mar 2026 GMT+7, the Center for the Administration and Monitoring of the Middle East Conflict (CAMMEC) at the Government House, Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Information Department and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, gave the daily briefing on the Middle East situation, stating that the developments today overall remain marked by continuous violence due to missile and drone attacks. Areas requiring close monitoring include Iraq, where violence has escalated, and Lebanon, which faces ongoing attacks causing civilian displacement reaching humanitarian crisis levels. Additionally, there have been repeated attacks on U.S.-related sites, such as bases and American residences in the Arabian Gulf states, though most have been intercepted.
Regarding current airspace openings and closures, countries still closing airspace to commercial flights include Iran, Israel, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Qatar. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has begun limited flights to clear stranded passengers. There are no reports of injured or deceased Thais. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Thais in high-risk areas to consider leaving immediately and to register their contact details with their responsible embassies and consulates.
Regarding the progress in assisting Thais, the first group of 62 people departed Tehran early this morning, expected to reach Turkey the same day, with another group scheduled to depart on 10 Mar 2026. On the Turkish side, a delegation from the Consular Department led by Mr. Bancha Yuenyongjongjaroen, Deputy Director-General, arrived in the city of Van on 6 Mar 2026 to join the Embassy team in Ankara. They are tasked with receiving Thai evacuees from Iran. The team has proceeded to the Turkish border checkpoint at Kapikoy to coordinate with local officials to facilitate the arrival of Thais from Iran.
In organizing the evacuation from Iran, Thai authorities have coordinated with relevant parties, including the Iranian government, U.S., and Israel, to ensure the evacuation proceeds smoothly and safely. Most recently, three hours ago, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a report from the Deputy Ambassador in Tehran that the evacuation convoy is nearing the Iran-Turkey border. Meanwhile, the Embassy in Tehran will relocate to a temporary office in Van, Turkey, starting 10 Mar 2026. It emphasizes that the embassy remains ready to assist Thais in Iran closely. The Embassy in Ankara will manage operations at the border to receive 10 Thais evacuating from Iraq crossing into Turkey at Mardin, facilitating their return to Thailand.
Next, Saudi Arabia remains accessible for flights back to Thailand. The Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah are coordinating closely with Thai embassies in neighboring countries: Bahrain's embassy in Manama, Qatar's embassy in Doha, and Kuwait's embassy, where airspace remains closed for cross-border or onward air travel for Thais.
Discussions are ongoing about repatriating Thais via private flights. Riyadh-Bangkok flights continue operating, with considerations to add evacuation flights as needed. In the UAE, the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General in Dubai are closely assisting stranded Thais. Emirates and Air Arabia resumed flights from 6 Mar 2026, with Emirates flying to Bangkok and Phuket, and Air Arabia to Bangkok.
Overall, 215 Thais stranded in the Middle East have been assisted to return to Thailand. Embassies and consulates in the region continue facilitating and advising Thais wishing to return, coordinating with relevant agencies to expedite documentation.
Mr. Jiraroat Suklarat, Director of the Transport Policy and Planning Office, Ministry of Transport, stated that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, as CAMMEC director, established a war room monitoring the situation daily since 28 Feb 2026. They oversee service quality, pricing, and readiness reports. Aviation authorities have instructed Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited, the Department of Airports, and the Civil Aviation Authority to price travel legally, check stranded passengers, and assist airlines whose flights are grounded in Thailand. Maritime authorities are monitoring domestic shipping to enforce fare regulations strictly.
Regarding international freight transport, prices follow international market mechanisms, with ongoing monitoring of freight rates to implement assistance measures if rates rise excessively impacting consumers. Land transport authorities are inspecting bus operators, public transport, and hired vehicles nationwide to ensure fares comply with the law and align with diesel prices, which the government controls and assesses for public transport fuel supply. Rail authorities are evaluating fuel risk to manage it proactively.
Mr. Jiraroat added that from 28 Feb to 7 Mar 2026, 584 flights were canceled or delayed, affecting 78,564 passengers. Mr. Phiphat has ordered full passenger assistance and real-time coordination with airlines to ensure safe and smooth travel.
Maritime transport to Europe has been impacted by rerouting ships around Africa instead of the Middle East, increasing transit times by 15 days. This affects port operations and container turnover. Daily data assessments aim to minimize disruption to operators. The public may report service inconveniences to the Ministry of Transport hotline at 1356.