Thai citizens in Israel are advised to follow the safety protocols provided by Israeli authorities after Iran’s missile and drone strikes on Israel this past Saturday.
A government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke, stated, “All Thai nationals in Israel are advised to comply with the safety guidelines issued by Israel for their safety.”
“They are also advised to follow announcements by local authorities and keep in contact with the Thai embassy in case of emergencies.”
Mr. Chai mentioned that Israeli authorities have implemented safety measures effective from April 13 at 11 pm to April 15 at 11 pm. Additionally, all flights into and out of Israel are halted from 12:30 am on April 14 until further notice.
The guidelines restrict gatherings to no more than 1,000 people nationwide and 30 people in combat zones. Educational institutions are closed, and only workplaces equipped with shelters may operate.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry reports approximately 28,000 Thais living in Israel and around 300 in Iran. There have been no reported injuries or direct impacts on Thais in either country due to the current situation.
The Thai embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran are actively monitoring events and communicating with the Thai communities there to ensure their safety and keep them informed.
The ministry expressed concern about the escalating conflict in the Middle East and urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Thai embassies in the area have been directed to work with state agencies to assist Thais in affected regions.
Pairote Chotikasathien, the Labor permanent secretary, reassured on Sunday that the government is prepared to assist Thai workers in Israel if necessary.
Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga announced on Facebook that energy authorities are evaluating the Iran-Israel conflict to determine potential impacts and devise a response strategy.
Chaichan Chareonsuk, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, voiced concern on Sunday about the potential effects on Thai exports to the area should the crisis worsen.
He noted that the Middle East is an expanding market for Thai exports and that heightened tensions could affect export performance in the second quarter.
Mr. Chaichan warned that if cargo ships in the Red Sea are targeted, shipping along this route would be halted, impacting the transport of goods to European and Mediterranean countries.
He also noted that the conflict might drive up fuel prices, currently at $90 per barrel, thereby increasing operational costs. The TNSC plans to discuss potential impacts with the Commerce Ministry.
In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged victory following military reports that nearly all of over 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted.
According to Reuters, the attacks by Tehran late on Saturday came after a suspected Israeli airstrike on April 1 against its embassy in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of officers from the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, escalating the risk of a broader regional conflict.
Iran has supported its regional proxies in attacking Israeli and US targets, backing the Palestinian militant group Hamas in its ongoing conflict with Israel, despite numerous attempts at mediation.
Netanyahu affirmed on X, “We intercepted, we repelled; together we shall win.” The Israeli military stated that it had shot down more than 99% of the Iranian drones and missiles.
An unnamed Israeli official told Israel’s Channel 12 TV that a “significant response” to the attack is forthcoming.
