The Center for Managing and Monitoring the Middle East Conflict (CMMC) indicates that the fighting remains severe and highly volatile. It has assisted 1,475 Thai nationals in returning home. Travelers abroad are advised to keep the emergency hotline numbers of Thai embassies and consulates in their destination countries readily accessible.
At 11:05 a.m. on 22 Mar 2026 GMT+7, at the Center for Managing and Monitoring the Middle East Conflict (CMMC), Government House, Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Director-General of the Information Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry, briefed on the situation and assistance for Thai nationals. He urged Thai travelers abroad to remain cautious and alert, offering three key recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Three key points to remember before traveling abroad.
First, keep the emergency hotline numbers of Thai embassies and consulates in your destination country handy. This ensures timely contact with Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials in case of emergencies.
Second, closely monitor news and updates from the social media channels of Thai embassies and consulates, as well as relevant agencies in your destination country. Strictly follow any warnings or advice issued.
Third, download the application called "Thai consular," which provides another channel to contact or request assistance from Thai embassies and consulates in your destination country.
The Middle East remains violent.
Mr. Panidol stated that the Middle East situation remains intense, with main conflicting parties including Hezbollah continuing reciprocal attacks into the fourth week. This period coincides with the Muslim Eid al-Fitr celebrations and the Persian New Year. Attacks have targeted U.S. bases across several countries and have expanded to energy infrastructure in multiple regional countries, affecting global economic stability and energy security increasingly.
The Strait of Hormuz remains tense.
Meanwhile, tensions persist in the Strait of Hormuz despite Iran's foreign minister confirming that foreign vessels may transit the strait if prior notification and agreements with Iran are made. Recently, the U.S. president demanded the Strait be opened within 48 hours.
Additionally, a joint statement from 22 countries—including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, South Korea, and Japan—called for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the U.S. energy department issued a short-term license allowing the sale of Iranian oil cargoes stranded on tankers, enabling roughly 140 million barrels to enter the global market quickly to alleviate oil shortages.
Volatility remains high.
Mr. Panidol said that due to the overall high volatility, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its advice for Thai nationals to leave high-risk areas as soon as possible, monitor official updates closely, and provide their location and contact details to Thai embassies and consulates responsible for their area. Regarding assistance, in Israel, one Thai worker died from shrapnel wounds. The Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv continues to warn Thai nationals there to exercise heightened caution and strictly follow safety advice from authorities. In Iran and Turkey, Thai embassies in Tehran and Ankara are coordinating the evacuation of four Thai workers and seven students—11 individuals in total—who will cross overland into Turkey before returning to Thailand.
Assisted 1,475 Thai nationals.
Mr. Panidol emphasized again for those still in the Middle East to regularly assess safety by following official channels and strictly adhere to government advice. Since the conflict began, 1,475 Thai nationals have been assisted to leave the Middle East region safely, either returning to Thailand or relocating to third countries. The Thai government remains committed to helping those affected by the conflict in dangerous areas to evacuate safely at the earliest opportunity.