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 17 March 2026 at 11.05 hrs. at the Government House

1. Developments on the Situation in the Middle East

• The situation continues to escalate, with exchanges of airstrikes across several countries. Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia have intercepted a significant number of missiles and drones targeting strategic locations, including oil facilities and airports.
  
  
• A large number of oil tankers remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, which has had a direct impact on global oil prices and the world economy.
  
  
• A number of countries have expressed concern and condemned Israel’s attack on Lebanon, which has resulted in large numbers of casualties and displacement, while several countries have declined to participate in the multinational naval force at the request of the U.S. to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
  
  
• As the situation remains uncertain, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Thai nationals to consider leaving high-risk areas as soon as possible and to closely follow updates and guidance through the official communication channels of the Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General responsible for their respective areas. Thai nationals are also encouraged to register their residence and contact information with the relevant embassies and consulates-general.
  
  
• The Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East, convened at Thailand’s proposal, held on 13 March 2026, discussed various issues, including the use of ASEAN mechanisms to address the effects of the situation that has directly affected people’s livelihoods on supply chains, commodity prices, and energy prices.
  
  
• In the short term, the Minister of Foreign Affairs proposed that ASEAN utilise existing mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement, in order to mitigate the impacts of potential energy shortages. In the long term, he proposed that ASEAN accelerate the transition to renewable and alternative energy sources and pointed out the importance of leveraging the ASEAN Power Grid to enhance regional energy connectivity and strengthen energy cooperation.
  
  
• The meeting agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, finance, and transportation by strengthening connectivity and reducing trade barriers, which would help reinforce ASEAN’s economic resilience amid external crises. Following the meeting, the Philippines, as the ASEAN Chair, issued the ASEAN Chair’s Statement on the outcomes of the meeting, which underscored the seriousness of the situation and reaffirmed ASEAN’s position, calling on all parties to return to dialogue and pursue diplomatic means to end the violence. The statement also highlighted the economic impact of the situation and emphasised the importance of strengthening ASEAN mechanisms to address these challenges effectively.

2. Developments on Assistance Provided to Thai Nationals in the Area

• On 16 March 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs held telephone conversations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates. The Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for the assistance provided to Thai nationals in both countries and for the facilitation extended to those travelling back to Thailand. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for facilitating the travel of 20 crew members of the Thai cargo vessel “Mayuree Naree”, who were able to transit to Oman before returning to Thailand. He also expressed concern about the situation in the region and hoped it would be resolved through peaceful means. Thailand stands ready to support diplomatic efforts by all parties to restore peace at the earliest opportunity.
  
  
• Regarding Iran, officials from the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran - currently temporarily relocated to Van, Turkey - continue to assist Thai nationals in Iran. Two additional evacuation rounds have been scheduled on 17 and 25 March 2026. Embassy officials have been coordinating in the area and at immigration checkpoints along the Turkish border to facilitate overland travel for Thai nationals in Iran to board flights from Turkey back to Thailand. The Embassy may arrange additional evacuation rounds as necessary, depending on the evolving situation.
  
  
• Thai nationals in Iran are advised to closely follow updates from official channels in order to regularly assess the security situation. Those who wish to travel back to Thailand are requested to register with the Royal Thai Embassy as soon as possible.
  
  
• All Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General continue to provide assistance and guidance for Thai nationals, as well as coordinate with airlines, and distribute essential supplies to Thai nationals wishing to return to Thailand from areas where flights remain available.
  
  
• Since the onset of the situation, a total of 1,116 Thai nationals have been assisted in departing countries in the Middle East and travelling to Thailand or third countries.
  
• The Government remains firmly committed to assisting Thai nationals affected by the conflict in the Middle East and ensuring their safe departure from high-risk areas at the earliest possible opportunity.