The Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Middle East situation remains severe, with expanded attacks on key infrastructure. Thai nationals are urged to leave high-risk areas as soon as possible. Coordination is underway to repatriate the bodies of deceased Thai workers. Assistance has been provided to 1,209 Thai nationals returning home already.,
At 11:10 a.m. on 20 March 2026, at the Middle East Conflict Situation Management and Monitoring Center (MCMC) at the Government House, Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Information Department and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, briefed on the Middle East situation and progress in assisting Thai nationals. He said the situation remains violent and has expanded from military targets to increasingly frequent attacks on critical infrastructure. Reports indicate that the Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, one of the world's leading oil and petrochemical production bases, was attacked, causing widespread damage and raising risks to the regional energy system. This could significantly impact the global economy and oil prices.
Given the high uncertainty of the situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Thai nationals to consider leaving risky areas as soon as possible, to follow official news and advice strictly, and to register their location and contact details with the responsible Thai embassies and consulates.
Mr. Panidol reported on assistance progress for Thai nationals in the Middle East, noting that one Thai worker who died due to Israeli bombings has had their family contacted by the Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv since the incident. Coordination with the Israeli government is ongoing to proceed with repatriating the deceased's body to Thailand as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the Consular Department via the Passport Office in Nakhon Ratchasima Province will visit the deceased's relatives. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labor will closely monitor compensation and related benefits from the Israeli authorities.
Additionally, the ambassador and relevant agencies have been regularly visiting Thai workers in Israel to offer support, listen to their concerns, and address their needs. Most workers remain in good spirits and are advised to closely follow safety announcements from the Thai Embassy.
The Thai Embassies in Tehran and Ankara are coordinating the evacuation of 4 Thai nationals from Bandar Abbas, Iran, and 6 students from Qom, totaling 10 people, who will travel overland to Turkey for onward travel. The journey takes approximately 10 hours.
On 19 March, the Foreign Minister met with the Iranian Ambassador to Thailand to reiterate Thailand's request for assistance regarding three Thai crew members aboard the Mayurinari vessel. Thailand asked for support from the Iranian Navy for humanitarian missions and safe passage for Thai commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian side acknowledged the requests and is processing related matters. The minister also emphasized Thailand’s position urging all parties to return to negotiation and diplomacy to end attacks promptly.
Regarding the industrial complex in Qatar attacked by Iranian weapons, the Thai Embassy in Doha has been in close contact with 35 Thai workers in the area. All are safe, in good spirits, and have not been directly affected.
Since the incidents began, 1,209 Thai nationals have been assisted to leave Middle Eastern countries, returning to Thailand or moving to third countries. The Thai government remains committed to helping those affected by fighting in dangerous areas to evacuate at the earliest opportunity.