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 20 March 2026 at 11.05 hrs. at the Government House

1. Developments on the Situation in the Middle East

• The situation in the region remains highly volatile, with escalating attacks expanding from military targets to increasingly frequent exchanges of attacks on critical infrastructure.
• An attack on the Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar has caused widespread damage, potentially increasing risks to the regional energy system, which may significantly impact the global economy and oil prices in the international market.
• As the situation remains uncertain, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs again 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.

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

• In the case of 1 Thai worker in Israel who was killed due to an explosion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. The Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv was in contact with the family right after the incident and is closely coordinating with the Israeli authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the remains to Thailand as soon as possible.
• The Department of Consular Affairs, through the Passport Office in Nakhon Ratchasima, will visit the family of the deceased, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work closely with the Ministry of Labour to follow up on compensation and related entitlements from the Israeli authorities.
• The Ambassador of Thailand to Israel, together with embassy officials and the labour attaché, visit Thai workers in various cities across Israel to regularly assess their well-being and provide moral support. Senior officials from the Department of Consular Affairs have also held videoconferences with Thai workers in the area to better understand their living conditions and needs. At present, Thai workers remain in good spirits and are advised by the Embassy to continue closely following announcements and advisories.
• The Royal Thai Embassies in Tehran and Ankara are coordinating the evacuation of 4 Thai workers from Bandar Abbas and 6 students from Qom, totaling 10 persons, who will travel overland to Türkiye in order to return to Thailand.
• On 19 March 2016, the Minister of Foreign Affairs held discussions with the Ambassador of Iran to Thailand to reiterate Thailand’s request for assistance for the 3 Thai crew members aboard the vessel “Mayuree Naree,” including support from the Iranian Navy for this humanitarian mission, as well as safe passage for Thai commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian side has acknowledged the request and is taking relevant actions. The Foreign Minister also reiterated Thailand’s position, calling on all parties to return to dialogue and diplomacy, while the Iranian side requested that Thailand and ASEAN countries urge the conflicting parties to cease attacks as soon as possible.
• Regarding the case of attacks at the Industrial City in Qatar, the Royal Thai Embassy in Doha has maintained close contact with 35 Thai workers in the area, all of whom are reported to be safe, in good spirit, and not directly affected.
• Thai nationals in the Middle East are urged to follow official updates closely, regularly assess their safety, and strictly adhere to official advisories.
• A total of 1,209 Thai nationals have been assisted in departing from the Middle East to Thailand or to 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.