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 22 March 2026 at 11.05 hrs. at the Government House

1. Developments on the Situation in the Middle East

• The situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile. The main parties to the conflict, including Hezbollah, continue to exchange attacks for a fourth consecutive week, coinciding with the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Fitr and the Persian New Year.
  
  
• Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remain high, with the United States calling for a reopening of maritime routes within 48 hours. Furthermore, a joint statement by 22 countries —including the UAE, Bahrain, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, South Korea, and Japan — has called for ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
  
  
• On the energy front, the United States has issued a temporary authorisation permitting the sale of Iranian oil stored on tankers, expected to enable approximately 140 million barrels of oil to enter the global market rapidly to help ease supply shortages.
  
  
• As the situation remains uncertain, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs again 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
   
   

• In the case of one Thai worker in Israel who was killed due to an explosion, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv has issued advisories urging Thai nationals in Israel to exercise caution and strictly follow safety guidance from the authorities.
  
  
• Regarding Iran and Türkiye, the Royal Thai Embassies in Tehran and Ankara are coordinating the evacuation of 4 Thai workers and 7 students (11 persons in total) by land to Türkiye for onward travel back to Thailand.
  
  
• Thai nationals in the Middle East are urged to follow official updates closely, regularly assess their safety, and strictly adhere to official advisories.
  
  
• A total of 1,475 Thai nationals have been assisted in departing from the Middle East to Thailand or to third countries.
  
  
• The Thai Government remains committed to assisting Thai nationals affected by the conflict to safely leave dangerous areas at the earliest opportunity.