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 29 March 2026 at 11.05 hrs. at the Government House

1. Developments on the Situation in the Middle East

• The situation remains volatile and may further escalate after the Houthis in Yemen launched attacks against Israel. Retaliatory attacks between the main parties to the conflict continue, alongside strikes targeting infrastructure in Gulf countries. Notably, a major Iranian steel plant has ceased operations after being attacked by Israel.
• Reports indicate that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced a ban on the transport of goods to and from ports affiliated with U.S.–Israel allies and has reiterated the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
• Islamic countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt, are scheduled to convene a meeting at the Foreign Minister level in Islamabad, Pakistan, on 29–30 March 2026 to explore ways to de-escalate tensions.
• With regard to Thai maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz, as stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs during the “Meet the Press” event on 28 March 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been closely coordinating with the Iranian side to ensure the safe passage of Thai commercial vessels. Some vessels have successfully transited the Strait. Nevertheless, continued engagement with all relevant parties remains ongoing to assist commercial vessels that are still stranded.
• The U.S. President and the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East have indicated positive signals regarding the possibility of meeting with the Iranian representatives within this week. Meanwhile, the U.S. Secretary of State stated that the U.S. is nearing its objectives and may conclude operations within “a few weeks,” although Iran did not formally respond.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its call for Thai nationals to consider leaving high-risk areas as soon as possible and to closely follow official updates and advisories. Thai nationals are also urged to register their residence and contact details with the Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General in their respective areas.

2. Developments on Assistance Provided to Thai Nationals in the Area and Other Actions Undertaken

• The Foreign Minister has sent further official communication to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran requesting urgent assistance for three Thai crew members aboard the cargo vessel “Mayurina Naree”. Further updates on this matter will be provided as soon as further information becomes available.
• Qatar: On 28 March 2026, Foreign Minister held a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, expressing appreciation for Qatar’s assistance in caring for Thai nationals and facilitating their safe return to Thailand. The Qatari side reaffirmed its continued support for Thai nationals in Qatar. Both sides also expressed concern over the situation and underscored the importance of resolving it swiftly through diplomatic means.
• Iran: Another group of eight Thai nationals who departed Iran via Türkiye arrived safely in Thailand on 28 March 2026.
• Israel: The Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv reiterates its warning regarding scammers impersonating embassy officials to solicit money for repatriation services. The Embassy has no policy requiring payment of fees for return travel to Thailand.
• Israel has announced the closure of airspace until 16 April 2026. All foreign airlines have suspended operations, with only El Al and Arkia continuing limited flights to Thailand. These are not regularly scheduled services and may be subject to sudden cancellation due to conditions on the ground. Thai nationals requiring urgent departure from Israel are advised to contact the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv for assistance through official channels.
• Bahrain: Gulf Air has announced the continuation of its flight operations, including the Dammam–Bangkok route, until 30 April 2026. Dammam is a key transit hub for travel into and out of the region via Saudi Arabia.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges all Thai nationals to closely follow official updates, regularly assess their safety, and strictly comply with official advisories. Those wishing to depart the region are advised to contact the Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General through official channels.
• Since the onset of the situation, a total of 1,514 Thai nationals has been assisted in departing from countries in the Middle East to Thailand or to third countries.