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 Deputy MFA Spokesperson

on 18 March 2026 at 11.05 hrs. at the Government House

1. Developments on the Situation in the Middle East

• The situation continues to escalate and expand across the region.
• The situation in the Strait of Hormuz, which remains closed, continues to have a significant impact on global oil prices.
• The Iranian state media has confirmed the deaths of the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) and the Commander of the Basij forces, who operated under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
• As the situation remains uncertain, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Thai nationals to consider leaving high-risk areas as soon as possible and to closely follow updates and guidance through the official communication channels of the Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General responsible for their respective areas. Thai nationals are also encouraged to register their residence and contact information with the relevant Embassies and Consulates-General.

2. Developments on Assistance Provided to Thai Nationals in the Area

• On 17 March 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs held telephone conversations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan. The Foreign Minister expressed appreciation to both countries for the support extended to Thai nationals residing in their territories and for facilitating the return of Thai nationals to Thailand, particularly in Jordan, which serves as an important transit point for Thai nationals returning from the Middle East. He also reiterated Thailand’s support for friendly countries in the region in addressing the situation and for diplomatic efforts to restore peace at the earliest opportunity.
• In Iran, on 17 March 2026, two Thai nationals crossed the border from Iran to Van, Türkiye, where they were received by officials at the temporary evacuation operations center. Arrangements have been made for them to return to Thailand on 19 March 2026.
• Another evacuation round for Thai nationals from Iran is scheduled for 25 March 2026. Officials from the Royal Thai Embassy have coordinated in the area and at immigration checkpoints along the Turkish border to facilitate overland travel for Thai nationals in Iran so they can board flights from Türkiye back to Thailand.
• Thai nationals in Iran are advised to closely follow updates from official channels in order to regularly assess the security situation. Those who wish to return to Thailand are requested to register with the Royal Thai Embassy as soon as possible.
• In Israel, as it is assessed that attacks between Israel and Hezbollah may intensify, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv issued an advisory urging Thai nationals in Israel to exercise utmost caution and to strictly follow safety procedures when hearing warning sirens.
• All Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General continue to provide assistance and guidance for Thai nationals, as well as coordinate with airlines and distribute essential supplies to Thai nationals wishing to return to Thailand from areas where flights remain available.
• A total of 1,149 Thai nationals have been assisted in departing countries in the Middle East and travelling to Thailand or third countries.

• The Government remains firmly committed to assisting Thai nationals affected by the conflict in the Middle East and ensuring their safe departure from high-risk areas at the earliest possible opportunity.