The first group of 29 Thais returning from Iran has arrived in Thailand. The Foreign Minister hopes to persuade others to return for their safety and acknowledges ongoing concerns about risk areas including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Lebanon. The tags are [Thai evacuation, Iran, Foreign Minister, safety concerns, Middle East].
At 15:30 on 9 March 2026, the first group of 29 Thais evacuated from Iran successfully arrived in Thailand. They were welcomed by Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The tags are [arrival, Thai evacuees, Foreign Minister, Suvarnabhumi Airport, evacuation].
Mr. Sihasak said he was glad the first group of 29 Thais safely evacuated from Iran via Turkey and arrived in Thailand. Tomorrow, a second group of 23 people, including adults and children, will follow. He thanked embassy officials for overseeing the arduous journey, which involved over 10 hours by car to the Turkish border, a stay in Turkey, then onward travel to Istanbul Airport. The tags are [evacuation, embassy support, travel route, Turkey, embassy officials].
He also thanked airport and immigration authorities for facilitating their arrival. The government policy encourages all Thais to evacuate and return home, though some wish to stay, including students. Coordination with the Iranian government enabled travel from Tehran to the Turkish border. The tags are [government policy, evacuation, Thai students, Iran, border crossing].
Ms. Songkran Farokh and Ms. Sirima Dahmang, Thai representatives, said the journey was smooth, taking two days to reach Bangkok. Despite ongoing airstrikes, daily life continues normally. Thais in Iran have been cooperating closely, with full support from the embassy and local Thai community. The tags are [Thai representatives, journey, airstrikes, daily life, embassy support].
When asked about violence and safety for Thais remaining in Iran, the representatives said they live as families, often in basements or rural areas. People gradually move to outskirts. Outside Tehran, there are no air attacks. They confirmed no incidents have occurred involving Thais still in Iran. The tags are [safety, Thai residents, Iran, violence, living conditions].
Asked about the main occupations of Thais and the number of evacuations, they said most work as housekeepers and in spas. This is the second evacuation: the first was during a 12-day war. This time, the conflict involves Iran, the U.S., and Israel. Previously, the journey from Tehran to Van, Turkey took 14 hours by car, with one night’s stay, then another 23–24 hours by car to Istanbul Airport. This time, they traveled by car from Tehran on 8 March and then flew to Istanbul. Another group of about 75 Thais, mostly students from Tehran or southern areas, will travel by land on 10 March via the same route. The tags are [occupations, evacuation history, travel route, students, Iran conflict].
Mr. Sihasak said efforts continue to persuade remaining Thais to evacuate for their safety, hoping many will do so. The decisions to evacuate now and in future are considered correct for Thai safety, with secure travel arrangements. Regarding other countries, evacuation and facilitation have occurred for over 100 Thais from Dubai during commercial flight openings, with reserved seats. Areas of concern include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Lebanon, especially for flights departing Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The tags are [evacuation policy, safety, international Thai community, Middle East, travel facilitation].