First group of Thais evacuated from Israel; Plans in place for more exits

The first 22 Thai nationals evacuated from Israel, which is engaged in escalating military tensions with Iran, are expected to arrive in Thailand today, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura today.

Assistance is also being arranged for another 12 Thais preparing to leave Israel soon, he added.

Nikorndej said discussions are ongoing with Thai construction recruitment companies about the possibility of relocating approximately 3,000 Thai workers, from Israel to neighbouring countries, for their safety.

Regarding the situation in Iran, he said the first three Thai nationals seeking to leave the country have been safely transported overland to a neighbouring country.

The ministry is currently assisting another 73 who wish to leave Iran. The Thai Embassy in Tehran has established a temporary office, along with a shelter and assistance centre, in Van, Turkey, near the Iranian border.

The spokesman emphasised that there are no current plans for mass evacuations from either Israel or Iran.

Thai nationals are, however, strongly advised to consider leaving both countries as soon as possible, due to the deteriorating situation, and are urged to avoid travel to Israel and Iran unless absolutely necessary.

Over the weekend, the United States entered the fray. US President Donald Trump announced that his country had conducted successful airstrikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran, which he claimed had been "obliterated."

This development has heightened fears of a broader, regional war.

Amid the escalating missile strikes between Israel and Iran, hundreds of people, both locals and foreign nationals, have fled to neighbouring countries.