Thailand on alert over Middle East tensions, ready for evacuations
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow says that he has ordered close monitoring of the situation in the Middle East and instructed officials to prepare for the possible evacuation of Thai nationals if necessary.
The permanent secretary for the Foreign Ministry had held a meeting to assess developments and review preparations for all possible scenarios, including the evacuation of Thai citizens from affected areas.
Sihasak was speaking in Manila, where he attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The situation in the Middle East was high on the agenda.
He said the assessment would rely on reports from Thai embassies in each country for an accurate picture of conditions on the ground.
The government is fully prepared to respond, he said, noting that Thailand has previously managed to evacuate Thai nationals safely from Iran.
During the ASEAN meeting, Sihasak stressed the need for the regional bloc to strengthen cooperation and maintain its central role in promoting peace and security amid growing global uncertainty.
His remarks came as the Middle East faced heightened tensions following renewed confrontation between Iran and Israel, raising fears of a broader regional escalation.
The developments have prompted many countries to review emergency plans and prepare assistance measures for their citizens in affected areas.
On the Myanmar issue, Sihasak said Thailand supports a dual-track approach by engaging directly with Myanmar as a neighbouring country while continuing to uphold ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus.
He said Thailand’s approach takes into account its national interests, including border security, cross-border trade, transnational crime, drug trafficking and pollution issues.
Thailand is also ready to facilitate dialogue among relevant parties in Bangkok and Pattaya to support peace efforts, reconciliation and humanitarian assistance, he said.
Such efforts are not aimed at legitimising any particular side, but at encouraging Myanmar to address ASEAN’s concerns and contribute to a peaceful resolution, Sihasak added.