Middle East Conflict: The second group of 10 Thai workers from Bahrain has arrived in Thailand. The Ministry of Labour arranged a reception team and is overseeing their rights and benefits. Another nine workers will arrive tomorrow. Nearly 1,000 have expressed their desire to return home.
At 13:30 on 10 March 2026, Ms. Treenuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, to represent the ministry in receiving and facilitating these workers. These Thai workers affected by the Middle East conflict, returning from Bahrain, arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province. This group is the second batch. They returned from Bahrain following the first batch of one worker who arrived on 6 March. To date, a total of 11 workers have returned to Thailand.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour stated, Currently, 11 Thai workers have returned from Bahrain. Tomorrow (11 March 2026), another nine workers will return from Bahrain. Additionally, workers in Iran are awaiting flights home. Nearly 1,000 workers have expressed their wish to return to Thailand. The Ministry of Labour will provide regular updates on flight schedules in advance.
"As soon as the workers arrive in Thailand, the Ministry of Labour is ready to protect their rights and benefits, and to advise them on applying for assistance from the Fund for Overseas Thai Workers, so they can receive their benefits promptly," he said.
The Ministry of Labour has established a systematic three-step support process for workers:
Step 1 at the origin country: Labour attaches open registration via the TOEA application or at the embassy to collect data on those wishing to return, while providing food, temporary accommodation, and assistance with documents and flight tickets.
Step 2 upon arrival in Thailand: Ministry officials receive workers at the airport, where workers scan a QR code to provide information on the assistance they require, such as job searching in Thailand, returning to work abroad after the situation improves, or skills and language training.
Step 3 follow-up at their hometowns: After verifying eligibility, data is forwarded to provincial labour offices and related agencies to visit and assist workers at their homes as part of the ministry's ongoing mission.
Mr. Pichet added that workers who have returned but have not yet registered for assistance by scanning the QR code at the airport can contact their provincial labour office or local ministry officials immediately to request help or inquire further via the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506.
