Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised its citizens to depart the Middle East, especially Israel, as hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah continue to escalate.
Panidone Pachimsawat, deputy spokesman for the ministry and acting director-general of the Department of Information, stated on Wednesday that the situation has intensified significantly in recent days.
According to him, Israel has launched large-scale strikes in Lebanon, while multiple Arab nations remain under threat from missile and drone attacks originating from Iran, most of which have been successfully intercepted.
He added that the unrest is also impacting global energy markets, with tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz contributing to ongoing oil price fluctuations.
In a separate development, Iranian state media reported the death of the secretary-general of the Supreme National Security Council, who had links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
“Due to the uncertainty, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is urging Thai citizens in affected areas to closely follow official updates and consider evacuation without delay,” he said.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow held discussions by phone on Tuesday with his counterparts in Kuwait and Jordan, expressing appreciation for their support in assisting Thai nationals and facilitating evacuation efforts.
Jordan has played a crucial role as a transit point for Thai citizens returning from the Middle East.
Mr Panidone also revealed that two Thai nationals crossed from Iran into Turkiye on Tuesday and are expected to arrive in Thailand on Thursday.
He noted that another round of evacuations from Iran is scheduled for next Wednesday, advising Thai nationals in the country to stay alert to safety developments and register with the Thai embassy if they intend to return home.
Meanwhile, the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv has warned of a potential escalation in clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, urging Thai citizens to remain cautious and adhere strictly to safety measures, particularly during air-raid warnings.
Throughout the region, Thai embassies and consulates continue to offer assistance, including temporary shelter, essential supplies, and coordination with airlines to arrange repatriation flights where feasible.
In areas where airspace is restricted, authorities are organising land routes to neighbouring countries.
Since the conflict began, a total of 1,149 Thai nationals have received assistance to leave the region, either returning to Thailand or relocating to third countries.
The government remains committed to ensuring that all affected Thai citizens are evacuated safely and as swiftly as possible, Mr Panidone said.
