Summary of Press Briefing
by the Joint Press Center on the Emergency Situation in the Middle East
on 4 March 2026 at 19:30 hrs
MFA Press Conference Room

• On 3 March 2026, H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister, chaired the Joint Press Center on the Emergency Situation in the Middle East (War Room) and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to oversee public communications on the situation. Therefore, the Ministry established this Joint Press Center on the Emergency Situation in the Middle East, which will serve as the central platform for communicating developments in the region, assistance to Thai nationals in the affected areas, and other related issues. Representatives from relevant agencies will also participate in the briefings to provide clarity to the public.
• Today (4 March) marks the Joint Press Center’s first press briefing. Beginning 5 March 2026 onwards, the Center will hold daily briefings at 18:00 hrs., which can be followed via the Ministry’s social media platforms and the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT).

1. Developments on the situation in the Middle East and actions taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

1.1 Developments on the Situation in the Middle East

• Reports indicate continued attacks across the Middle East. Israel has carried out strikes against Iran in multiple locations, including Beirut and southern Lebanon, prompting the Lebanese government to call for immediate evacuations. 
• Iran has also launched attacks against Israel, although most missiles were intercepted. In addition, Iran reportedly targeted the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, primarily aiming at U.S. military bases and consular facilities, with no casualties reported to date. Incidents have also been reported in other countries, including Kuwait.
• In addition, ASEAN Foreign Ministers have issued a statement on the situation, expressing deep concern over the escalating violence and its impact on civilians, as well as regional and global peace and stability. They called on all parties to cease hostilities, exercise restraint, pursue peaceful solutions, and uphold international law, including the UN Charter. The statement also reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to assisting nationals of its Member States.
• To date, there have been no reports of Thai nationals injured or killed; however, the overall situation remains sensitive. The Ministry advises Thai nationals in the affected areas to closely monitor developments, strictly follow host country advisories, and consider departing high-risk countries at the earliest opportunity. They are encouraged to contact the respective Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General for travel advice and assistance.

1.2. Developments on assistance being provided to Thai nationals in the affected areas

• The Ministry continues to closely monitor and assess the situation regarding evacuation and assistance for Thai nationals in high-risk areas, noting that conditions and urgency vary by country. Priority is being given to Iran as the country with the highest risk, with the Prime Minister having approved the evacuation of Thai nationals. For other countries facing lower levels of risk, Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General stand ready to fully facilitate the departure of Thai nationals as needed.
• The Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran reports that it has arranged two evacuation rounds for Thai nationals wishing to depart Iran by road to Türkiye, scheduled for 7 and 10 March 2026, with registration deadlines on 5 and 8 March 2026, respectively. A total of 138 persons, mostly students and workers, have registered thus far, and Thai nationals are urged to register promptly to enable the Embassy to facilitate necessary documentation, including exit visas and emergency travel documents. 
• For other affected areas, the Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General are aiding Thai nationals in facilitating travel back to Thailand, including coordinating closely with airlines to assist in securing seats for Thai nationals who have expressed wishes to return to Thailand, and providing other forms of assistance as needed. Officers have also been assigned to assist Thai nationals currently staying in hotels, and most of them remain in good spirits.
• The Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General also maintain continuous contact with Thai nationals in high-risk areas, providing advice and facilitating assistance for those who have independently chosen to return to Thailand.
• In addition, the Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General across the Middle East have successfully facilitated the departure of a number of Thai nationals from their host countries to return to Thailand as well.

1.3 Rebuttal against reports alleging that Thailand had signed an Indo-Pacific treaty permitting the United States to use Thailand as a military base

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to clarify reports claiming that Thailand has signed a treaty under the Indo-Pacific cooperation framework containing provisions that would allow the United States to use Thailand as a military base. The Ministry would like to stress that such claims are entirely untrue and clearly contradict Thailand’s policy.
• Thailand sincerely hopes that ongoing conflicts will de-escalate and be resolved as soon as possible, out of concern for the impacts on affected populations.
• The Ministry encourages the public to verify information through official sources before sharing or further disseminating it, in order to prevent misunderstandings regarding Thailand’s policies and positions.

2. The impact of the emergency situation in the Middle East on oil prices (Ministry of Energy)

• Thailand’s fuel supply remains secure and sufficient to meet domestic demand. The Ministry urges the public not to panic or engage in fuel hoarding, as excessive stockpiling is unlawful and may pose safety risks.
• However, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Department of Energy Business has convened an urgent meeting with oil traders to ensure preparedness and uninterrupted supply. Operators have been instructed to accelerate procurement from alternative sources outside the Middle East in order to maintain adequate domestic reserves.
• Although domestic prices may be affected by movements in the global market. The Ministry of Energy also confirms that it has established mechanisms to manage domestic fuel prices and prevent sharp increases. In particular, the Oil Fuel Fund will be utilized as a key instrument to stabilize retail prices and mitigate the impact of global price fluctuations, thereby reducing the burden on the public.
• The Ministry will continue to closely monitor the situation and stands ready to implement all necessary measures to safeguard national energy security and protect the interests of the Thai people.

3. Measures to facilitate tourists stranded in Thailand (Ministry of Tourism and Sports)

• Airspace closures in several countries have prevented some foreign nationals from returning home. In response, the Immigration Bureau has introduced temporary measures to assist those affected.
• Foreign nationals who are unable to depart Thailand and whose permitted stay expired on or after 28 February 2026 will be exempt from overstay fines.
• In addition, those wishing to remain in Thailand temporarily may apply for an extension of stay. Extensions of up to 30 days may be granted, subject to the required application and supporting documents.
• These measures have now taken effect and will remain in place until further notice. Ministry encourages the public to verify information through official sources before sharing or further disseminating it, in order to prevent misunderstandings regarding Thailand’s policies and positions.