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 MFA Deputy Spokesperson

on 12 March 2026 at 11 hrs. at the Government House

1. Developments regarding the Thai-flagged cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz

• As reported in the news, on 11 March 2026 at approximately 11.00 hrs. (Thailand local time), the Thai-flagged cargo ship “Mayuree Naree,” with 23 Thai crew members on board, was hit and damaged while sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, after departing from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat, immediately coordinated with Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies, and continued doing so throughout last night, to provide assistance to the Thai crew. The Royal Navy of Oman has rescued 20 Thai crew members and safely brought them ashore at Khasab, Oman, while efforts are underway to rescue the remaining 3 crew members.
• The Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat has had a telephone conversation with the ship’s captain and has been informed that none of the 20 rescued Thai crew members sustained serious injuries, although they will require continued psychological support. The local representative of the ship’s owning company has arranged accommodation for the crew at a hotel and will facilitate consultations with a psychiatrist.
• The Embassy is currently coordinating travel to the area by road, as it remains a no-fly zone, in order to visit and provide assistance to the Thai crew, as well as facilitate their return to Thailand at the earliest opportunity.
• According to the Marine Department, Ministry of Transport, all Thai-flagged cargo ship has now departed the Strait of Hormuz, and no Thai cargo ships remain in the area.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working closely with relevant authorities to locate and rescue the remaining 3 crew members, while continuing to support those who have already been rescued and to closely investigate the facts surrounding the incident.
• In terms of diplomatic efforts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued the second statement on the latest developments of the situation in the Middle East, reiterating Thailand’s grave concern about the dire situation in the region, which has intensified following attacks by Israel and the United States, and followed by retaliation by Iran. The situation poses serious threats not only to civilians in the region but also to nationals of other countries, including Thai nationals, such as the incident involving the Thai-flagged cargo ship yesterday.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reiterates the importance of respecting the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
• Thailand calls on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, immediately de-escalate tensions, and return to dialogue in order to prevent further escalation that could undermine both regional and global peace and stability. Thailand also protests the violence involving attacks on commercial vessels and expresses its serious concern regarding such incidents.
• Earlier this morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited the Ambassador of Iran to Thailand for discussions, during which this matter was also raised. Later this evening, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will have a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Oman to thank the Government of Oman for its assistance to the Thai crew and follow up on the search for the remaining 3 crew members.

2. Developments in the Situation in the Middle East

• The situation in the region remains volatile and uncertain, although there have been signals from certain parties indicating their willingness to end the conflict, subject to specific conditions. The Iranian side has reportedly outlined three key conditions for ending the conflict, namely (1) recognition of Tehran’s legitimate rights, (2) payment of reparations, and (3) firm international guarantees against future aggression.
• Within the ASEAN framework, in view of the seriousness of the situation, a Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East will be convened on 13 March 2026, at Thailand’s initiative. The meeting will discuss developments and their implications for ASEAN and exchange views on response measures and ASEAN’s long-term preparedness.
• The meeting will also serve as an opportunity to reaffirm ASEAN unity and underscore the importance of ASEAN centrality in addressing crises affecting the region.

3. Developments on Assistance Provided to Affected Thai Nationals

• For Iran: The second group of Thai nationals evacuated from Iran has arrived in Türkiye and will return to Thailand in two batches. This morning, the first batch of 34 Thai nationals, mostly workers, has already arrived safely in Thailand, where they were welcomed by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs. The second batch will arrive in Thailand on the morning of 13 March 2026.
• At present, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran, which has temporarily relocated its operations to the Temporary Operations Center in Van, Türkiye, continues to maintain close contact with Thai nationals in Iran who have not yet expressed the intention to return to Thailand and stands ready to facilitate their return should they wish to do so.
• For the United Arab Emirates: In addition to Etihad Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia have resumed limited daily flights from Dubai to Thailand. The Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate-General in Dubai continue to closely coordinate with Thai nationals in the UAE and provide updates.
• For Bahrain: Gulf Air has announced additional flights to facilitate travel by land to board special flights from Dammam to Bangkok starting today. The Royal Thai Embassy in Manama has informed Thai nationals in the area accordingly.
• For Qatar: The Royal Thai Embassy in Doha has facilitated the return of 124 Thai nationals and their family members to Thailand. The first flight arrived in Thailand last night. This flight was arranged as a special flight for stranded passengers and those wishing to depart Doha, and does not yet represent a full resumption of commercial operations.
• For Israel: El Al and Arkia airlines, which operate flights from Tel Aviv to Thailand, have now resumed normal operations. Passengers may book tickets and check flight status via the airlines’ official websites. The Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv stands ready to assist Thai nationals and has already disseminated relevant information to Thai nationals in the area.

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs follows the situation in the Middle East with great concern. Thailand remains firmly committed to peace and calls on all parties to urgently pursue diplomatic efforts and peaceful dialogue to prevent the conflict from escalating further.