Navy on standby for evacuations by sea if Middle East airspace closes

The Thai Navy has prepared a contingency plan to help evacuate Thai nationals from the Middle East if the security situation deteriorates and evacuations by air become impossible, according to Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Pairoj Fuengchan.

Pairoj said the National Security Council has instructed the armed forces to prepare for the possible evacuation of Thai citizens amid escalating clashes in the Middle East.

The Thai Air Force will take the lead in evacuation preparations, in line with government policy.

The Navy has also been placed on standby to assist if the situation worsens to the point that air transport cannot be used. In such a case, the Navy would implement a secondary plan to evacuate Thai nationals by sea.

“If the situation becomes more severe or airspace is closed, preventing aircraft from transporting people, the Navy has prepared Plan B, using ships to evacuate Thai citizens from the area,” he said.

Commenting on the government’s policy for the armed forces to conserve energy, the Admiral Pairoj said the Navy immediately implemented work-from-home arrangements for certain tasks and is considering postponing non-essential activities.

He added that personnel required to travel for official duties have been instructed to share transport where possible.

Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachiayaphan, a navy spokesman, said the Navy has been closely monitoring the tensions and fighting in the Middle East, which could affect the safety of Thai nationals in the region.

He said the Navy has prepared maritime evacuation plans through ports located in safe areas near conflict zones.

A large amphibious transport ship, capable of carrying about 1,000 people, along with escort vessels, has been prepared as part of a task group. The journey to the operational area would take about two weeks.

The spokesman noted that current airspace restrictions in some areas could make sea evacuation a necessary alternative.

Although it would take longer, the method could transport a larger number of people and provide greater operational flexibility.

He stressed that the plan is currently in preliminary preparedness and can be adjusted depending on the situation on the ground.

“The Royal Thai Navy stands ready to support the government’s decisions to protect Thai citizens abroad and can deploy immediately once ordered,” he said.