The Joint Operations Center emphasizes the ongoing fragility of the Middle East situation, confirms the arrival of Mr. Chaiwat's body in Thailand today, and reports that Oman and Iran are preparing to salvage the Mayuree ship, acknowledging that assisting the three Thai crew members is not an easy task.
At 11:05 a.m. on 27 Mar, at the Center for Administration and Monitoring of the Middle East Conflict Situation located at the Government House, Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, briefed on the situation and assistance to Thai nationals. He stated that the situation in the Middle East remains violent, with ongoing retaliatory attacks between main conflicting parties and continued strikes against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Mr. Panidol said the U.S. President announced via social media that the U.S. would extend the delay on attacks against Iran's energy infrastructure by 10 days until 6 Apr. He also noted that negotiations with Iran are progressing well. Previously, the U.S. President had announced a 5-day delay on strikes, ending on 27 Mar. Additionally, reports indicate Israel has temporarily suspended actions against certain senior Iranian officials to maintain diplomatic communication channels.
However, Israel’s Defense Minister revealed that they had killed a naval commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), whom Israel holds responsible for laying mines and blockading the Strait of Hormuz. Despite reported negotiation efforts, the situation remains fragile, requiring ongoing monitoring. Progress in talks remains uncertain and may be impacted at any time by developments on the ground.
Mr. Panidol reiterated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Thai nationals to promptly leave high-risk areas, closely monitor news and official advisories, and strictly follow guidance. He also advised registering their current addresses and contact information with their respective embassies or consulates.
Regarding assistance progress to Thai nationals in key areas and other related matters, the first case involves three crew members aboard the cargo ship Mayuree Naree. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged news reports from the morning of 27 Mar and continues to closely follow up and coordinate with relevant parties after a joint operation by Iran and Oman successfully accessed the ship. Salvage and assistance efforts for the three crew members are ongoing, with updates to be provided immediately upon confirmation of developments.
Mr. Panidol stated that the body of Mr. Chaiwat Wevanil, who died from shrapnel in Israel, is scheduled to arrive in Thailand on 27 Mar at approximately 12:45 GMT+7 via El Al Israel Airlines flight LY 093. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labor will receive the body at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv continues to remind Thai nationals in Israel to exercise heightened caution and strictly follow official safety recommendations.
Mr. Panidol added that the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran remains in contact with Thai nationals in Iran who do not wish to return, providing continuous information and assistance as needed. Regarding Saudi Arabia, Oman’s SalamAir has announced it will resume flights to Dammam Airport, a key transit point for regional travel, starting 1 Apr 2026.
Mr. Panidol emphasized once again to those remaining in the Middle East to monitor official sources regularly to assess security conditions and strictly adhere to government advice. Since the conflict began, a total of 1,501 Thai nationals have been assisted to leave the Middle East region, either returning to Thailand or traveling to third countries.
When asked about progress in assisting the three Thai crew members, including whether Oman had reported any issues and about recent media reports of the ship running aground on Iran’s Qeshm Island, Mr. Panidol replied that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely following and coordinating with all involved parties. He assured that communication is continuous and any updates will be promptly announced once confirmed. He acknowledged that salvaging the ship and assisting the crew amid ongoing hostilities is challenging. Therefore, trust and respect for all parties involved are essential. Both Oman and Iran have committed to full efforts, with close and continuous coordination maintained. Updates will be provided immediately as information becomes available.