Thailand surveys nationals for evacuation amid escalating US-Iran conflict

As tensions continue to escalate, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has instructed its embassies in countries involved in the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran to ascertain how many Thai nationals wish to be evacuated and to prepare contingency plans, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said today.

The Thai government is particularly worried about the safety of Thais living in Iran, where more than 200 are currently residing.

The Thai embassy has been in close contact with the Thai community there, advising them to exercise caution and remain in safe areas.

The minister was speaking after attending a security meeting, held to assess the escalating conflict in the Middle East, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul with the National Security Council secretary-general in attendance,.

Sihasak quoted Anutin as instructing authorities to prepare assistance for any Thai nationals wishing to return home but, with airspace in the conflict areas currently closed, evacuations from Iran would require overland travel to the Turkish border to catch flights out of the region.

At present, around 20 Thais in Iran have expressed a desire to return. If they confirm their intention, the government will facilitate their journey through a border operations centre, and commercial flights will be used as long as the number of people remains manageable.

In Israel, Sihasak said about 65,000 Thais are living and working. As of now, Israeli authorities are able to control the situation and intercept incoming missiles.

No Thai nationals in Israel have been injured or have requested evacuation to date and the Thai embassy continues to coordinate closely with Israeli authorities, who have expressed concern for the safety of Thai workers.

Concerns have also been raised about other areas, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, where more than 1,000 Thais have expressed a desire to return to Thailand.

Evacuation coordination is possible, because airports in Oman remain operational and immigration procedures can be facilitated.

In countries affected by Iranian military strikes, such as Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait, Thai embassies have been instructed to contact Thai nationals to determine whether they wish to return home.

Those opting to leave would be routed through the nearest safe point of exit, likely Saudi Arabia, and travel onward on commercial flights.

If the number of Thais in Iran seeking evacuation exceeds 100, Sihasak said Thailand is prepared to dispatch an aircraft, with preliminary coordination already conducted with the Royal Thai Air Force.

He stressed that contingency plans are in place for all possible scenarios. The Foreign Ministry has also set up a centre to enable relatives of those in affected countries to seek information and reassurance.

When asked how soon Thais in Iran can be evacuated, Sihasak noted that those wishing to return must travel more than 1,000km overland first, a journey which is complicated by checkpoints and the lingering effects of 12 days of fighting.

The government will act immediately, but must coordinate closely with Iranian authorities to ensure facilitation and safety guarantees.

Acknowledging that the conflict could be prolonged, Sihasak said it appears that the objectives of the United States may extend beyond eliminating the nuclear threat posed by in Iran, while Iran remains determined to retaliate, expanding operations to several countries hosting U.S. military bases.

The domestic situation in Iran also remains uncertain.

Thailand, he said, must prepare not only for the protection and possible evacuation of its citizens, but also for broader domestic impacts should the conflict drag on.

Thailand is deeply worried about the situation, which could affect regional and global peace and security, he said, as he emphasised that Thailand hopes the conflict will be resolved through non-military means and negotiations based on international law.