Summary of the Press Briefing regarding the situation and assistance to Thai nationals in the Middle East
by Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy MFA Spokesperson
on 1 March 2026 at 18:00 hrs.
MFA Press Conference Room

1. Situation in the Middle East

• In the afternoon (Thailand time) of 28 February 2026, Israel launched air strikes against key targets in Tehran and other cities across Iran, followed by joint air operations conducted by the United States on the same day.
• On the same day, Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks at U.S. naval and air bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, as well as in certain areas of Iraq.
• Earlier this morning (1 March 2026) at approximately 08:30 hrs. (Thailand time), Tasnim News Agency, an Iranian news outlet with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, confirmed the passing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, stating that he died at his residence while on duty in the morning of 28 February 2026.
• Overall, the situation remains fragile and continues to be a source of grave concern for Thailand. We are following these hostilities closely and reiterate our advice to Thai nationals residing in the affected countries to strictly comply with announcements and advisories issued by the host authorities.
• As for Thailand’s position, the Ministry issued a Statement on the Situation in the Middle East yesterday, reiterating 3 key points: (1) Thailand is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East with grave concern; (2) urge all the parties to prevent the conflict from further deterioration, thereby undermining international peace and security and affecting innocent civilians; and (3) reiterates the urgency of dialogue and diplomacy.

2. Actions Taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• On 28 February 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established the Middle East Situation Center (War Room) to closely monitor developments and assess the situation in coordination with relevant Thai agencies. In addition, a 24-hour Consular Affairs Center has also been established to provide urgent assistance to Thai nationals. The Ministry also advised Thai nationals without urgent business in the area to reconsider travel to the region at this time.
• At present, there are approximately 110,000 Thai nationals residing in the Middle East (65,000 in Israel; 20,163 in the United Arab Emirates; 7,342 in Saudi Arabia; 4,957 in Bahrain; 4,750 in Qatar; 3,700 in Egypt; 1,116 in Oman; 1,019 in Kuwait; 723 in Jordan; 237 in Iraq; 250 in Iran; 120 in Yemen; 118 in Lebanon; and 40 in Syria).
• Overall, there have been no reports of Thai nationals being injured in the region.
• All Thai Embassies and Consulates-General in the region have issued advisories urging Thai nationals to closely follow local news and official announcements, as well as guidance issued by the Embassies and Consulates-General. Evacuation plans of Thai nationals have been prepared should the need arise and may involve coordination with other countries or international organizations that are likewise preparing their own evacuation arrangements.
• Today’s (1 March 2026) afternoon, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, chaired a meeting of the Middle East Situation Center (War Room), together with senior Ministry officials as well as all Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General in the region, to review the latest developments and progress in providing assistance to Thai nationals in each country.
• Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General in the affected areas briefed the meeting on the impact of these retaliatory strikes on civilian locations. Thai nationals in the various areas are safe at this time.
• At present, Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General in the affected areas are opening registration for Thai nationals wishing to return to Thailand (thus far, approximately 29 in Iran and 20 in Israel have registered). They are closely coordinating with host country authorities to prepare for assistance and facilitate evacuation, should it become necessary.
• The Ministry will continue to closely monitor the situation, assessing the impacts, and preparing appropriate response plans in line with evolving tensions.
• Tomorrow (2 March 2026), the National Security Council will convene a meeting with relevant agencies, chaired by the Prime Minister, to discuss the implications of the situation for Thailand, including economic, energy, and regional security aspects. The meeting will also consider plans to ensure the prompt protection and assistance of Thai nationals in the affected areas, taking into account the challenges posed by airspace closures in several countries.

Watch the full session at: https://fb.watch/Fz_7a_SxWC/