Middle East Tensions Escalate: Thai Citizens Remain Safe Amidst Conflict

Bangkok: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that Thai citizens have not yet been severely affected by the situation in the Middle East. Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement regarding the care and assistance provided to Thai citizens in the region. He confirmed that Thai citizens remain safe and have not been severely affected, and that evacuation plans are being expedited. According to Thai News Agency, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew chaired a meeting with ministry executives and representatives from all Thai embassies and consulates general in the Middle East regarding the situation and assistance for Thai citizens. Following the meeting, Mr. Panidol announced that as of the afternoon of February 28, 2026, Israel had begun airstrikes on key targets in Tehran and various cities across Iran, followed by military attacks by the United States. Iran retaliated with military s trikes, firing missiles at US naval and air bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, as well as parts of Iraq. Thai embassies in various countries reported on the impact of these retaliatory attacks, confirming that Thai citizens are currently safe. This morning, Iran's Tasneem news agency confirmed the death of the Supreme Leader at his residence and workplace while performing his duties on the morning of February 28. The overall situation remains sensitive and concerning, with ongoing fighting. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its message to Thai citizens to closely monitor and follow the advice, announcements, and warnings of host countries. The Ministry issued a statement emphasizing three main points: concern over the situation, a call for involved parties to avoid actions worsening international peace and security, and urging a swift resolution through diplomatic negotiations. The Ministry has established a Situation Monitoring Center to closely monitor and assess the situ ation. A 24-hour coordination center at the Department of Consular Affairs is providing urgent assistance to Thai citizens, and a travel advisory has been issued against unnecessary travel to the Middle East. There are over 110,000 Thais in the Middle East, with the largest number in Israel and Iran. No Thais have been severely affected. The Royal Thai Embassy and Consulates General have issued warnings to Thais to monitor government announcements and advice from the Embassy and Consulates General. Evacuation plans are being coordinated with other countries or international organizations. In Iran, the situation is volatile, with plans to evacuate Thai citizens quickly. Currently, 29 Thai citizens have expressed their wish to return. In Israel, the Embassy is in consultation with the Thai community, mostly agricultural workers, with no more than 20 workers wishing to return. Israeli airlines are operating normally, with land evacuation routes available. For Thai citizens in other affected countries, embassi es and consulates are surveying evacuation routes and coordinating with airlines and host countries. The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation. Tomorrow, a meeting with the National Security Council and related agencies, attended by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, will assess the impact on Thailand. Regarding news reports that Thai Airways had sent weapons components to Israel, Mr. Panidol confirmed this is not true and expressed confidence in Thai Airways' adherence to international regulations. For tourists in Thailand unable to return to the Middle East due to airspace closures, the Ministry of Interior is expected to discuss flexible regulations at tomorrow's meeting.