The Crisis Management Center noted rising tensions in the Middle East after Iran announced a ban on ships related to certain countries passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and Yemen's Houthi group declared participation in the fighting. This affects navigation in the Red Sea. Efforts are underway to assist stranded Thai nationals.
At 11:05 a.m. on 30 Mar 2026, at the Crisis Management and Monitoring Center for the Middle East conflict (CMC) at the Government House, Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the situation in the Middle East has escalated following 1) Iran's announcement banning ships connected to certain countries from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, and 2) Yemen's Houthi group declaring engagement in the fighting. This will impact maritime safety in the Red Sea, a strategic area, especially the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The CMC is closely monitoring direct effects on commercial shipping and cargo transport.
Mr. Panidol added that on the evening of 29 Mar 2026, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a warning of attacks beyond U.S. military targets, specifically on U.S.-affiliated educational institutions located in Gulf countries. They advised educators, students, and local residents to stay away from U.S.-affiliated schools. This action is a response to the attack on the University of Science and Technology in Tehran by the U.S. and Israel on 28 Mar.
Mr. Panidol stated that regarding assistance for Thai nationals and Thailand's interests in the area, as well as other related actions, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had previously explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs successfully negotiated for some Thai commercial vessels to safely depart the Strait of Hormuz. However, as the situation remains highly uncertain, the Ministry is intensifying communication with international partners and urgently negotiating with relevant sectors to continuously protect Thai nationals and national interests.
Mr. Panidol said that on 27 Mar, the CMC approved the establishment of a task force comprising relevant agencies to discuss integrated assistance measures to enable stranded Thai commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to safely and systematically continue their journey. This task force will expedite its operations at the earliest opportunity.
Mr. Panidol added that concerning Israel, with Israeli airspace still closed and limited special flights available, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv continues coordinating with Thai embassies in neighboring countries, especially Jordan, to facilitate Thai nationals in Israel in returning to Thailand.
Mr. Panidol said that following an IRGC attack on U.S. support forces near Salalah port in Oman on 28 Mar, the Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation and has found no reports of Thai nationals injured. Simultaneously, the embassy has alerted Thai nationals in Yemen to remain vigilant due to the increasing risks.
Mr. Panidol stated that since the onset of the conflict, 1,532 Thai nationals have been assisted in leaving Middle Eastern countries, either returning to Thailand or relocating to third countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Thai nationals to leave risky areas promptly, monitor official news and advisories closely, comply strictly, and continue registering their location and contact details with Thai embassies and consulates in the region.
When asked if Thai laborers had contacted the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv to request departure amid Israel's airspace closure until mid-April, Mr. Panidol said that according to embassy reports, there has not been a significant number of laborers requesting to return. He emphasized that it is crucial for Thai workers and nationals in Israel to remain alert and strictly follow safety guidelines.
When asked about flights from Israel to Thailand despite the airspace closure, Mr. Panidol explained that these are special flights authorized only for urgent cases. For Thai nationals with urgent needs, travel is facilitated through Jordan, which borders Israel, while the airspace remains closed.