The Operations Center for Managing and Monitoring the Conflict Situation in the Middle East announced that the first group of Thais from Iran will arrive in Thailand tomorrow. Assistance has been provided to a total of 292 people. Officials confirmed Thailand has enough fertilizer to last five months and emphasized there is no need to hoard, as existing stock prices have not increased.
On 8 March 2026 at the Government House, the Operations Center for Managing and Monitoring the Conflict Situation in the Middle East (OC) held a press conference. Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the situation in the Middle East remains intense with missile and drone attacks, especially in Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon, which have been targeted in multiple areas. Iran has indicated it will not attack other regional countries but will focus on U.S. military bases only for self-defense. Iran will continue retaliatory actions until the attacks on Iran cease or the United Nations Security Council intervenes.
Meanwhile, the U.S. President has confirmed plans to heavily attack Iran and possibly expand the conflict area, increasing tensions. So far, there are no reports of Thai nationals injured or killed in the Middle East. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises citizens to evacuate from risk areas promptly and requests they provide their whereabouts to the responsible embassies and consulates.
Regarding assistance to the first group of 62 Thais in Iran, led by Ms. Chananit Prasertphon, Advisor to the Thai Embassy in Tehran, they safely arrived in Turkey by car last night. The Thai Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, welcomed and facilitated their accommodation as they await return travel. The group will travel back to Thailand in two batches: the first arriving on 9 March and the second on 10 March. Additionally, other Thais in Iran plan to leave overland to Turkey on 10 March, with close coordination ongoing.
The Thai Embassy in Ankara is also awaiting Thais who have evacuated from Iraq and crossed the border, totaling 18 people, who will then continue their journey back to Thailand. Altogether, 292 Thais stranded in the Middle East have received assistance so far.
Mr. Panidol added that amid the fragile situation, news reporting should be based on facts and social responsibility to avoid misunderstandings, emphasizing that public safety is currently the top priority.
Mr. Nantapong Jiralertpong, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy and spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, held a press conference regarding domestic chemical fertilizer stocks. He said the Ministry closely monitors fertilizer supply, requiring importers to report import volumes and stock levels by the 10th of each month to enable government oversight and management.
In January, Thailand had 1.52 million tons of chemical fertilizer stock, with average demand at 0.8 million tons. Officials confirmed that stocks are sufficient for domestic needs and expect fertilizer stocks to increase in March due to imports made before the Middle East tensions. Fertilizer raw materials such as potassium are imported from Canada, China, and South Korea. Urea stocks stand at 320,000 tons (about 6.5 million sacks), sufficient for use, with an additional 120,000 tons (around 2.4 million sacks) being imported from Saudi Arabia and 20,000 tons from Malaysia. This will bring total urea stocks to approximately 8.9 million sacks. Officials affirm fertilizer supply is adequate for about five months. Thailand also has regular imports from Malaysia and Brunei to replenish stocks continuously. Current fertilizer stocks are older inventory, so prices have not increased.
Ms. Supachai Suthammanun, Minister of Commerce, has instructed provincial commerce offices to continuously inspect fertilizer prices. Any violations will be prosecuted under the Goods and Services Act, with penalties of up to seven years imprisonment, fines up to 140,000 baht, or both. She confirmed that domestic fertilizer stocks are sufficient and there is no need for hoarding. Consumers are encouraged to report overpriced goods via the hotline 1569 or at commerce offices nationwide.
