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 13 March 2026 at 11.30 hrs. at the Government House

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

• Yesterday (12 March 2026), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited the Ambassador of Iran to Thailand for discussions. The Thai side conveyed its strongest protest over the incident and requested that the Iranian authorities issue a statement of apology and clarify the facts surrounding it, while expressing hope that such an incident would not happen again. The Ambassador of Iran expressed his condolences and stated that he would promptly convey Thailand’s protest to the capital. 
• The Thai side also expressed grave concern over the escalation of the situation in the region and called on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, return to diplomatic dialogue, and ensure the safety of innocent civilians. 
• On the same day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs held a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman, with the Prime Minister also joining the call. The Foreign Minister conveyed Thailand’s appreciation to the Government of Oman for its prompt assistance to the Thai crew members and requested the Omani authorities to expedite efforts to search for and assist the 3 missing crew members. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman reaffirmed that Oman stands ready to provide full assistance and expressed hope that the 3 remaining Thai crew members will be located soon.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat continue to coordinate closely with relevant agencies of Oman to follow up on the search and rescue efforts.
• All relevant Thai agencies are working together and making every effort to locate and assist the 3 remaining crew members as soon as possible. The safety of Thai nationals remains the highest priority.
• Regarding the 20 Thai crew members, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed that they will travel by road from Khasab, Oman, to Muscat International Airport for their onward journey back to Thailand. The Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat has issued and handed emergency passports to all 20 crew members. The crew is expected to depart Khasab soon.
• As the route requires passing through the territory of the United Arab Emirates before re-entering Oman, the Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat, the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi, and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai have been coordinating with the relevant authorities to facilitate the crew’s cross-border transit and onward travel arrangements back to Thailand.

2. Developments in the Situation in the Middle East

• The situation in the region remains volatile and tense, although there have been signals from certain parties indicating their willingness to end the conflict, subject to specific conditions.
• The Supreme Leader of Iran issued his first statement since assuming office, stressing that unless U.S. military bases are closed, Iran will continue to attack U.S. and Israeli bases in the region and will maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to pressure its adversaries.
• Reports indicate that Iran has laid naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, while attacks on vessels off the coast of the United Arab Emirates continue. Consequently, oil shipments have been partially disrupted, prompting discussions on measures to stabilise the situation.
• Within the ASEAN framework, a Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East will be held today (13 March 2026) at 13:00 hrs., at Thailand’s initiative, to discuss developments and their implications for ASEAN and exchange views on response measures and ASEAN’s long-term preparedness. The Minister of Foreign Affairs will hold a press briefing afterward to summarise the meeting’s outcomes and other developments related to the situation in the Middle East.

3. Developments on Assistance Provided to Affected Thai Nationals

• Iran: The second group of Thai nationals evacuated from Iran has returned to Thailand in two batches. The first group of 34 arrived on 12 March 2026, and another 30 returned safely to Thailand today (13 March 2026). They were welcomed at Suvarnabhumi Airport by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and representatives from the Department of Consular Affairs.
• 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.
• Overall, Thai embassies and consulates continue to assist nationals by coordinating with airlines, providing basic necessities, and facilitating transit through neighboring countries where airspace remains closed.