Thailand prepares aircraft to evacuate nationals from Iran

The Thai government has prepared an aircraft to evacuate Thai nationals stranded in Iran as a first priority and will make its utmost efforts to ensure the mission is accomplished in the shortest possible time following the expanding armed conflicts in the Middle East, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said.

The Royal Thai Air Force and the Foreign Ministry have been working on preparations to evacuate Thais from Iran, Anutin said in a statement.

Although Thailand is not a party to the conflict, tens of thousands of Thai citizens are living and working in countries across the region.

The armed conflict in the Middle East shows signs of widening, which will inevitably affect the global economic climate, including that of Thailand.

The Thai government considers the safety of Thai nationals in high-risk countries to be of utmost importance, particularly those currently residing in Iran and Israel.

Anutin said his government will urgently take every possible measure to ensure their safety and facilitate their swift return to Thailand.

The Foreign Ministry, under Sihasak Phuangketkeow, has established an operations centre to monitor the situation and prepare comprehensive assistance measures for Thai nationals, Anutin said.

He said he has been receiving regular reports and closely monitoring developments from all security agencies.

Other ministries involved, including the ministries of Finance, Labour, Public Health, Defence and Interior, have been instructed to remain on round-the-clock readiness.

Such a situation will certainly affect Thailand’s economy, Anutin said, adding, however, that the government will make every effort to minimise the impact.

Anutin said his team will continue to closely monitor developments and to try to turn the crisis in the Middle East into an opportunity for Thailand.

He also invited all Thais to join in praying to sacred beings, including Phra Siam Thewathirat, and through the royal grace of His Majesty the King, to bless and protect Thai citizens currently residing in areas affected by the fighting.