Summary of Press Briefing
at the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East
by Mr. Panidone Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy MFA Spokesperson
on 30 March 2026 at 11.05 hrs. at the Government House

1. Developments in the Middle East Situation

• Tensions in the Middle East have escalated and affected transits in the region, especially through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
• The Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East is specifically monitoring direct impacts on commercial shipping and cargo transport.

2. Progress on Assistance to Thai Nationals and Thai Interests in the Area, and Other Actions

• As H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister, and H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said on 28 March 2026 that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has successfully negotiated the safe passage of certain Thai commercial vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz. Given the continued uncertainty of the situation in the Strait, the Ministry finds it necessary to maintain communication with the international community and expedite negotiations with all relevant parties to continuously safeguard Thai nationals and Thailand's national interests.
• The Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East meeting on 27 March 2026 approved the establishment of a working group comprising relevant agencies to develop an integrated approach to assist the remaining Thai commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to depart safely in a more systematic manner. The working group will commence its work at the earliest opportunity.
• While the Israeli airspace remains closed and operating flights are limited, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv continues to coordinate with Royal Thai embassies in neighboring countries, particularly in Jordan, to facilitate air travel for Thai nationals in Israel wishing to return to Thailand.
• The Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat has been closely monitoring the escalated risk situation in Oman and has found no reports of injured Thai nationals. The Embassy also issued warnings to Thai nationals in Yemen to exercise heightened caution given the uncertain situation.
• Since the onset of the crisis, a total of 1,532 Thai nationals have been assisted in departing countries in the Middle East region, either returning to Thailand or traveling onward to third countries.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its call for Thai nationals residing in the Middle East to consider leaving high-risk areas as soon as possible, closely follow news and advisories from official channels, as well as register their location and contact information with the Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General in their respective areas.