Summary of Press Briefing

on the assistance to Thai nationals in the Middle East

By the Director-General of the Department of Information / MFA Spokesperson

On 18 June 2025 at 16.00 hrs.

MFA Press Conference Room and MFA FB LIVE / TikTok LIVE

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been closely monitoring the escalation of the tensions between Israel and Iran in the Middle East since 13 June 2025 and has activated the Rapid Response Center (RRC) in collaboration with other relevant agencies, including Royal Thai Embassies in the Middle East, to assess the situation, monitor developments, and prepare to assist Thai nationals in the affected areas. All relevant units have prepared contingency relocation and evacuation plans as deemed necessary. To date, there is no report of injured Thai nationals in Iran and Israel.

There are about 350 Thais in Iran. The Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran and the President of the Thai Community have established a temporary shelter center in Amol, approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Tehran. The center can house up to 200 Thais at the same time. There are currently 35 Thais staying at this center, located at Chamestan Ali Abad Noor 4th Bosstan No. 38, Amol, Mazandaran. The Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran issued an announcement encouraging Thais to depart Tehran at the earliest opportunity for their own safety. They can travel to stay at the center or with relatives outside Tehran. There are approximately 100 Thai students in Qom, around 150 kilometers south of Tehran, who are currently safe. The Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran is in constant contact with their representatives.

As the current situation in Tehran poses a high risk, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran has temporarily relocated its office to Kordan, approximately 60 kilometers north of Tehran, to ensure the safety of those traveling there for services. The temporary address of the Embassy is No.6, Soheiliyeh Road, Kordan. For Thai nationals in Iran who require assistance, please contact the Embassy’s emergency lines at any time via telephone number +98 912 159 8699. In the meantime, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran is in constant contact with Thai communities in Iran to monitor their requests to leave Iran. There are currently 5 Thais wishing to return to Thailand and the Embassy is coordinating accordingly. Most Thais residing in Iran still wish to stay in the country. In this regard, the Embassy has already prepared land routes for Thais to travel to neighbouring countries.

In Israel, there are about 40,000 Thais residing in the country. The Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv has also established an emergency phone number for Thai nationals and is prepared to respond to calls regarding their wish to depart the country. There are currently 3 Thais wishing to return to Thailand and the Embassy is coordinating on assistance. In an emergency, Thai nationals in Israel can contact the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv via the telephone number + 9725406368150. The Embassy has also prepared land routes for Thais to travel to neighbouring countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently planning to dispatch additional personnel to support the embassies' operations for Thais in both Iran and Israel. In addition, the Department of Consular Affairs has developed a “Thai Consular” application to receive information and serve as an additional channel for Thai nationals in each country to conveniently contact the Embassies in the area. The application is now available for download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.innohub.thaiconsular&hl=th . The Department has also prepared an emergency number (+66) 02 572 8442 for relatives to request assistance or information. 

The Ministry will hold daily meetings to monitor the situation and prepare to assist Thai nationals across both countries in all aspects as the situation develops. All Thais in the area, please be informed to avoid traveling to the affected areas. Once commercial airlines are in service or Thai nationals are able to leave those areas safely, please be encouraged to do so.

Watch the full session at: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/12KB2QLWo1v/

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