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 16 March 2026 at 11.05 hrs. at the Government House

1. Developments on the Situation in the Middle East

• The situation in the region continues to escalate with exchanges of airstrikes across several countries, particularly in Iran, Israel, and Iraq. Iran has continued launching airstrikes against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Iraq, and Jordan, including in areas near ports, airports, and energy infrastructure.
• In addition, the U.S. and Israel have continued strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, including a key crude oil export terminal on Kharg Island. There are also reports that Israel carried out strikes near areas known for public gatherings in Tehran.
• 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 news and guidance from the official communication channels of the Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General in the area. Thai nationals are also advised to register their residence and contact information with the relevant embassies and consulates-general.

2. Developments on Assistance Provided to Affected Nationals

• This morning (16 March 2026), 20 crew members of the Thai cargo ship Mayuree Naree arrived safely in Thailand. They were received by the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, and the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare of the Ministry of Labour. All crew members are in good spirits.
• Coordination to provide assistance was supported by the Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai, with excellent cooperation from the authorities of Oman and the UAE. The crew travelled by road for more than 10 hours from Khasab to Muscat before embarking on their flight back to Thailand.
• Yesterday (15 March 2026), the Minister of Foreign Affairs held a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, requesting Iran’s support in assisting the three Thai crew members who remain on board the cargo ship Mayuree Naree. They also discussed the authorisation of safe passage for Thai commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The Foreign Minister reiterated Thailand’s position, calling on all parties concerned to return to dialogue to end current tensions at the earliest opportunity.
• For Iran: The Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran, temporarily relocated to Van, Türkiye, continues to assist Thai nationals in Iran and issue situation advisories on an ongoing basis. The Embassy has announced two additional evacuation rounds on 17 and 25 March 2026. Those wishing to return to Thailand are requested to register with the Embassy as soon as possible.
• Overall, Thai embassies and consulates continue to assist nationals by coordinating with airlines, providing basic necessities, and facilitating transit through neighboring countries where airspace remains closed.
• In total, 952 Thai nationals have returned to Thailand from the Middle East.

• The Government remains firmly committed to assisting Thai nationals in the Middle East who have been affected by the situation, in order to ensure that they are able to safely leave at-risk areas as soon as possible.