Most Thai nationals residing in Iran are choosing to remain in the country despite the ongoing conflict, with only about 10% expressing a desire to be evacuated, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Monday.
Mr Sihasak said approximately 200 Thais have registered with the Thai authorities as living in Iran. Of that number, only around 20 people have indicated they wish to leave the country.
Those seeking evacuation would be required to travel overland for more than 1,000 kilometres to neighbouring Turkey, he said.
Once in Turkey, the Thai government would assist them in boarding commercial flights back to Thailand.
The foreign minister said the government was prepared to arrange an airlift directly from Iran if the number of evacuees rose to 100 or more. Otherwise, those wishing to return would do so on commercial flights.
Mr Sihasak said there are about 77,000 Thai workers currently employed across the Middle East, with roughly 65,000 based in Israel. Other Thai nationals in the region run businesses or are married to local citizens.
The government has prepared evacuation plans following the outbreak of hostilities after Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran on Saturday, prompting retaliatory strikes targeting Israel and other US allies.
Among those still working in Israel is 40-year-old Peerapong Konsaema from Chalerm Phrakiat district in Buri Ram. His family in Thailand has been closely monitoring the situation.
His wife, Weerakan, said on Sunday that she managed to make a brief video call to her husband after the attacks began. The conversation was cut short as he had to rush to a bomb shelter.
She said she hopes her husband will return home if the Thai government declares Israel unsafe. Although he has completed his employment contract, he has been offered an extension.
His mother, Samriang, shared those concerns, saying she hoped her son would return if the conflict escalates and his safety is at risk.
Ms Samriang said she expects the government to follow through on its commitments and prioritise the safety of Thai workers in Israel and other Middle Eastern countries.
