MFA Prepared for Thai Evacuation from Middle East Amid Renewed Conflict

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is prepared with contingency evacuation plans for Thai citizens in the Middle East, as the US-led war against Iran intensifies. Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow confirmed the ministry's readiness to handle any eventuality during a press conference on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila. "The MFA has to prepare to handle all scenarios and assess our readiness, especially if another evacuation of Thai citizens is necessary. I can confirm that we are prepared for any eventuality," Mr Sihasak stated. The ministry has been actively monitoring the escalating situation in the Middle East following the end of the ceasefire and renewed fighting. Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Eksiri Pintaruchi chaired a teleconference on Tuesday with representatives from all Thai embassies and consulates in the Middle East. During the meeting, information was exchanged, and the progress of care and assistance for Thai nationals in each country was reviewed. The readiness of evacuation plans, tailored to the specific context of each area, was also assessed. Thai embassies and consulates in the region have been instructed to advise Thai nationals to closely follow official news and strictly adhere to the announcements and warnings issued by their host countries. To date, there have been no reports of Thai nationals in the Middle East suffering severe impacts from the conflict. In parallel, Mr Sihasak addressed discussions at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting concerning ASEAN's role in global peace and security. He highlighted Myanmar as a continued concern, reiterating Thailand's policy of prioritizing dialogue and engagement while upholding the ASEAN five-point consensus. However, he also acknowledged Thailand's national interests in border security, which involve issues such as border trade, transnational crime, drug trafficking, and pollution, necessitating dialogue with the Myanmar government. Thailand has called on the new Myanmar government to persist with dialogue for peace and reconciliation and has offered its facilitation for talks involving both ethnic minorities and the Myanmar government.