Eighteen Thai workers from Iran arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour welcomed them and is overseeing their rights and benefits, job placement, and vocational training as requested, as well as facilitating their return to their hometowns. So far, a total of 35 Thai workers have returned from the Middle East.
At 09:00 on 12 March 2026 GMT+7. 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 assisting Thai workers affected by conflicts in the Middle East. Eighteen workers returning from Iran were welcomed by Mr. Bancha Yuenyongjongjaroen, Deputy Director-General of the Consular Department, and Ms. Worapannee Damrongmanee, Deputy Director-General of the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Samut Prakan Province.
Today, 18 workers returned from Iran, while previously 17 workers returned from Bahrain, making a total of 35 workers who have arrived back in Thailand so far.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour stated that currently 35 Thai workers have returned, and an additional 33 workers are expected to return: 6 from Bahrain and 27 from Iran. Nearly 1,000 workers have expressed their intent to return to Thailand, and the Ministry of Labour will provide advance updates on flight schedules periodically.
“As soon as workers arrive in Thailand, the Ministry of Labour is ready to ensure their rights and benefits. We provide guidance on applying for benefits from the fund supporting Thai workers abroad, so they receive their entitled payments as quickly as possible.”
Mr. Pichet added that the Ministry has established a systematic three-step care process for workers:
Step 1 at the origin country: Workers register their intent to return via labor attachés, then register on the SMART TOEA app and share their location coordinates. This allows the Ministry to communicate and locate them promptly in emergencies. The Ministry also arranges food, temporary accommodation, documents, and flight tickets.
Step 2 upon arrival in Thailand: Ministry officials meet workers at the airport, where workers scan a QR Code to submit information on the assistance they need, such as job placement within Thailand, returning abroad after the situation improves, or vocational and language training.
Step 3 follow-up at their hometowns: After verifying entitlements, information is forwarded to provincial labour offices and related agencies to visit and assist workers at home as part of the Ministry’s mission.
Mr. Pichet further stated that workers who have returned but have not registered for assistance by scanning the QR Code at the airport can contact their provincial labour office or local Ministry of Labour representatives immediately to request help. For inquiries, they may also call the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506.
