Bangkok: Prime Minister Srisaket Sihasak has announced that the Thai embassy in Iran remains secure as efforts are underway to evacuate Thai citizens from the region. The plan involves moving evacuees to Turkey before arranging flights back to Thailand. While most Thai citizens in Israel have chosen to stay, the embassy in Iran remains a priority for safety and evacuation. Ten diplomatic staff members are set to undergo assessment following the completion of the evacuation of Thai nationals.
According to Thai News Agency, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew has addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Thai embassies with local governments to establish safe zones for citizens. He stressed the importance of closely monitoring the situation and reaffirmed that the government's primary goal is the safe return of all Thai citizens from Iran. Citizens wishing to return are advised to notify authorities and arrange their return promptly. The reopening of airspace in some areas of the United Arab Emirates may facilitate this process, with the government working to secure airfares similar to the approach taken in Bahrain. Ensuring the safety of Thai citizens, especially in high-risk zones near US military bases, remains a top priority.
Mr. Sihasak compared the current Middle Eastern conflict to the fighting in Israel in 2024, noting the broader geographic scope now involving Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, and Cyprus. The scale of the conflict has expanded significantly, with the affected population now estimated to exceed 100,000, compared to a previous estimate of 40,000.
The minister emphasized that evacuating Thai citizens from Iran is the utmost priority. Contingency plans are in place for other regions, aiming to avoid unnecessary panic. He noted that while Israel has a missile defense system, a majority of the Thai population in Iran, around 65,000, are confident in the security measures and wish to remain.
Regarding the use of the term "evacuation," Mr. Sihasak clarified that it applies to Iranian areas, while in other regions, it is referred to as facilitation. He confirmed that the staff at the Thai Embassy in Iran, though situated in a potential target area, remain unaffected and are exercising caution. Continuous monitoring of the situation is essential, and the decision to evacuate staff will be based on a thorough assessment. The initial evacuation strategy involves moving evacuees to Turkey, with potential plans to charter a plane from Egypt if necessary.