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 24 March 2026 at 11.05 hrs. at the Government House

1. Developments on the Situation in the Middle East

• The situation in the region remains tense, with retaliatory attacks between the main parties continuing, alongside strikes targeting Gulf countries, namely Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, most of which have been intercepted.
• On the evening of 23 March 2026 (Thailand time), the President of the United States announced via social media that the United States and Iran had engaged in constructive discussions toward ending hostilities in the Middle East, and that the United States had ordered a 5-day pause in attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure.
• However, there have been reports denying such discussions, and exchanges of attacks in the region have continued thereafter, underscoring the need to closely monitor the situation.
• As the situation remains uncertain, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to urge 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 and Other Actions Undertaken

• Per the briefing on 23 March 2026, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv has coordinated with relevant authorities and El Al Airlines to repatriate the remains of 1 Thai worker in Israel who was killed due to an explosion, with the remains expected to arrive in Thailand on the morning of 26 March 2026.
• As coordinated by the Royal Thai Embassies in Tehran and Ankara, together with the Department of Consular Affairs, 4 Thai shrimp farm workers from Bandar Abbas, a coastal city in southern Iran, have safely crossed into Türkiye and are scheduled to arrive in Thailand on the morning of 25 March 2026.
• A further group of 7 students and 1 shrimp farm worker, totaling 8 persons, is scheduled to travel overland from Iran to Türkiye on 25 March 2026.
• Following the request by H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Thai side for cooperation from relevant countries and parties regarding safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for Thai commercial vessels, it has been reported that a number of vessels have safely departed from high-risk areas.
• The Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will continue to prioritize the safety of Thai commercial vessels.
• On the evening of 23 March 2026, the Foreign Minister held a telephone discussion with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, expressing appreciation for facilitating the return of Thai nationals through Saudi Arabia, and exchanging views on the situation in the Middle East, with both sides sharing the hope for a swift resolution of the conflict through diplomatic means and in accordance with the UN Charter.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its call for Thai nationals remaining in the Middle East to closely follow official updates, regularly assess their safety, and strictly adhere to official advisories
• A total of 1,483 Thai nationals have been assisted in departing from the Middle East to Thailand or to 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.