“MFA” sets 24/7 War Room, Prepares evacuation plan for Thais amid Middle East escalation

The situation monitoring center (War Room) convened on March 1, 2026, under the order of Mr. Srihasak Phuangketkeaw, Minister of foreign affairs to   determine the situation in Middle East tension. To get updates on support given to Thai people in each nation with grave concern, Ministry executives and representatives from all Thai embassies and consulates general in all areas attended. There are currently about 110,000 Thai people living in the Middle East and there haven’t been any reports of any serious effects on Thai people as   a whole.

In addition, all Thai embassies and consulates general throughout the region have issued warning to Thai citizens to keep an eye on official statements and information from their representative government, as well as embassy and consulates rule. They also have recommended Thai citizens living in the Middle East   to leave immediately   or seek safety shelters. Moreover, evacuation plans for Thai citizens are being developed and collaborate with other countries or international organizations developing their own evacuation plans.

/Photo: MFA

Currently, Thai Embassies and Consulates General in impacted areas are accepting registrations from Thai citizens who seek to return to Thailand. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work with the host country’s competent agencies to help and facilitate the evacuation of Thai people if necessary. As the tensions rise, MFA will closely monitor it, assess its impact and make important contingency preparations.

Press Briefing By Mr. Panidone Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Deputy Spokesperson,On Sunday, 1 March 2026/Photo:MFA

Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of MFA, stated that Israel launched airstrikes on key targets in Tehran and other Iranian cities, which were followed by military attacks by The   U.S. and retaliatory missile attacks on U.S. naval and air bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE and parts of Iraq. MFA emphasizes Thailand’s official stance on three key points:

1. Thailand is closely monitoring the situation with concern, having followed developments in the Middle East conflict since Israel's airstrikes on Tehran, Iran's retaliatory missile strikes on various military bases, and the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Thailand views this issue as extremely sensitive and concerning for regional security.

2. Thailand strongly advises all parties to avoid escalating the conflict. Thailand has issued a reminder to all parties involved in the conflict to maintain calm and avoid taking any measures that would exacerbate the situation. The violence not only jeopardizes world peace and security, but it also directly threatens the lives and safety of innocent people in the region.

3. Thailand advocates for a quick resolution through negotiation and diplomacy. Thailand's most essential attitude is to urge for a peaceful conclusion to the conflict through "dialogue and diplomacy," thinking that this is the only way to end the losses and restore long-term security. The violence not only jeopardizes world peace and security, but it also directly threatens the lives and safety of those who live in the region.

War Room /Photo: MFA

However, on February 28, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a 24-hour crisis monitoring center (War Room) to assess the situation and provide emergency aid to Thai residents. A travel alert has also been issued, urging Thais to avoid travel to the Middle East during this period. There are still no reports of Thai citizens being severely affected.

The number of Thai citizens in the Middle East is as follows:

Israel: 65,000

United Arab Emirates: 20,163

Saudi Arabia: 7,342

Bahrain: 6,500

Qatar: 4,750

Egypt: 3,700

Oman: 1,116

Kuwait: 1,019

Jordan: 723

Iraq: 237

Iran: 250

Yemen: 120

Lebanon: 118

Syria: 40

The Thai Embassy in Tehran, which is located near the attacked security targets, reported that the situation is increasing. The embassy has established a command center to prepare the rapid evacuation of Thai nationals and to take applications from people who wish to return to Thailand. In Iran 29 Thai peoples, including students and workers have already expressed a desire to return. The embassy claimed that a 24-hour hotline has been established. Currently, just 20 Thai workers have expressed a desire. Israel airlines continue to function properly   and land evacuation routes exist in several nearby countries. Meanwhile, for Thais in other countries who are in areas targeted by attacks or affected by violence, the embassy and consulates general are working with host nations to assess evacuations routes and other details.