The Foreign Ministry emphasizes that Thai nationals should leave risk areas as the Middle East conflict expands. Israel assesses that attacks between Israel and Hezbollah will intensify.
At 11:05 a.m. on 18 March 2026, at the Government House, the Center for Managing and Monitoring the Middle East Conflict Situation issued a daily briefing. Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Information Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Spokesperson, stated that the situation in the Middle East continues to escalate, with significant Israeli attacks reported in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Arab countries continue to face drone attacks from Iran, most of which have been intercepted.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz still affects oil prices. Additionally, Iranian state media confirmed the death of Iran's National Security Council Secretary, who was part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Due to ongoing uncertainty, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Thai nationals to consider leaving risk areas as soon as possible. On 17 March, Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew held phone talks with the Foreign Ministers of Kuwait and Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, expressing gratitude for their care of Thai nationals in the region and assistance in facilitating their return, especially Jordan, which serves as a key transit point for Thais returning from the Middle East to Thailand.
Warning to Thai nationals amid ongoing fierce clashes.
Mr. Panidol reported that on 17 March, two Thai nationals departed Iran, crossing into Turkey, and are scheduled to arrive in Thailand on 19 March. Additional evacuations from Iran are planned for 25 March 2026. Thai nationals in Iran are advised to monitor official channels regularly to assess safety. Those wishing to return are urged to register with the embassy promptly. Israel anticipates that attacks between Israel and Hezbollah will become more severe, prompting the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv to warn Thai nationals in Israel to increase vigilance and follow safety protocols when alarm signals sound.
Furthermore, the Royal Thai Embassy and most consulates in the Middle East continue to facilitate travel and provide essential supplies to Thai nationals wishing to return to Thailand in areas where flights are still operating. They are coordinating with airlines and local authorities in countries with closed airspace to secure land border transit permissions to neighboring countries. Since the conflict began, a total of 1,149 Thai nationals have been assisted in leaving Middle Eastern countries, returning to Thailand or relocating to third countries. The Thai government remains committed to assisting Thai nationals affected by the conflict in the region to evacuate safely.