The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveals that the situation in the Middle East remains tense and is expediting the repatriation of 952 Thai citizens.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the situation in the Middle East remains tense, and efforts are underway to repatriate 952 Thai citizens. Additional Thai citizens are being evacuated from Iran on March 17th and 25th.

On March 16, 2026, at 11:05 AM, the Center for Monitoring and Evaluating the Conflict in the Middle East briefed on the progress of the situation and assistance provided to Thai citizens. Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported on developments in the Middle East and the progress of assistance to Thai citizens in the area.

Mr. Panidol revealed that the situation in the Middle East continues to escalate, with exchanges of airstrikes among several countries, particularly Iran, Israel, and Iraq. Meanwhile, Iran continues to launch airstrikes against the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Iraq, and Jordan, especially targeting ports, airports, and energy infrastructure.

Furthermore, the United States and Israel continue to attack military infrastructure throughout Iran, including key crude oil export sites on Iran's Khark Island. There are also reports of Israeli attacks near protest areas in Tehran. Due to the ongoing uncertainty, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Thai citizens to consider leaving risky areas as soon as possible and to monitor news and advice from the official channels of the Royal Thai Embassy and Consulate-General responsible for the area. They should also register their address and contact information with the relevant Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General so that they can be contacted and assisted promptly.

Regarding the progress in assisting Thai citizens in the area, Mr. Panidol said that this morning, 20 crew members from the Thai cargo ship "Mayureenari" safely arrived in Thailand. They were welcomed at Suvarnabhumi Airport by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs and the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Labour, including the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare. All crew members are in good spirits.

This coordinated rescue operation was supported by the Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai, as well as excellent cooperation from the Omani and UAE authorities. The 20 crew members had to travel from Khasab to Muscat for over 10 hours before safely returning to Thailand.

Regarding the urgent search and rescue of the remaining three crew members, yesterday the Minister of Foreign Affairs held a telephone conversation with the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs to request Iranian support in assisting the three Thai crew members still stranded on the "Mayurinari" vessel. They also discussed facilitating the safe passage of the Thai commercial vessel through the Strait of Hormuz. Thailand reiterated its call for all parties involved to return to the negotiation and diplomatic process to resolve the situation peacefully and quickly.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assures the public that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence (through the Royal Thai Navy), and the Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat continue to coordinate closely with all relevant agencies to monitor the progress of the search operation and expedite assistance to the remaining Thai crew members as quickly as possible. Regarding the situation in Iran, although the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran has temporarily relocated to Van, Turkey, it continues to perform its duties in caring for and assisting Thai citizens in Iran and issuing ongoing updates on the situation.

The latest announcement concerns guidelines and readiness for the evacuation of Thai citizens from Iran, for those wishing to leave the area. Two additional evacuation rounds are scheduled for March 17th and March 25th, 2026. Those wishing to travel are urged to register with the Embassy as soon as possible.

Overall, Thai embassies and consulates general in the area continue to facilitate, care for, advise, and coordinate with airlines, as well as provide essential supplies to Thai citizens wishing to return to Thailand in areas where flights are still operational. They are also assisting in coordinating with agencies in countries that still have closed airspace, to obtain permission for land transit to neighboring or third countries, so that Thai citizens can return to Thailand safely. Since the incident, a total of 952 Thai citizens have been assisted in leaving countries in the Middle East and returning to Thailand.

Mr. Panidol reiterated that the Thai government remains committed to assisting Thai citizens in the Middle East affected by the fighting, so that they can leave dangerous areas as quickly and safely as possible.

Reference: thaigov.go.th

Staying updated: The US and Israel launch attacks on Iran, escalating tensions throughout the Middle East.