OF THE 215 Thais evacuated from Middle-Eastern countries so far, 62 left Iranian capital Tehran early this morning (Mar. 7) and are expected in Turkey later today, PPTVHD36 and Amarin TV said.
Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, acting director-general of the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Jirarooj Sukulrat, director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, who jointly held a press conference at the Middle East Situation Monitoring and Administration Centre within the Government House said overall the situation remains volatile due to missile and drone attacks.
Areas requiring close monitoring include Iraq, where violence has increased, and Lebanon, which is being continuously attacked, leading to civilian evacuations and this is classified as a humanitarian crisis.
Furthermore, attacks targeting areas related to the United States, such as military bases and residences for American citizens in the Gulf states, continue, but most have been repelled.
Countries where airspace is still closed to commercial flights include Iran, Israel, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Qatar. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has begun operating limited flights to clear stranded passengers.
There have been no reports of injuries or deaths among Thai citizens. However, the ministry urges Thai citizens in at-risk areas to consider leaving as soon as possible and register their address and contact information with the respective embassies and consulates.
While the first group of 62 Thais left Tehran early this morning are expected in the Turkish city of Van later in the day, another group of 10 Thai will be departing on Tuesday March 10. A team from the Department of Consular Affairs, led by Mr. Bancha Yuenyongjongcharoen, the department’s deputy director-general, arrived in Van yesterday to join the team from the Thai embassy in Ankara to receive them.
In bringing Thai nationals out of Iran, the Thai side coordinated with all relevant parties, including the Iranian government, the United States and Israel, to ensure a smooth and safe evacuation.
Panidol added that the Thai embassy in Ankara is also tasked with monitoring another border crossing with 10 Thai nationals coming through from Iraq to the Turkish city of Mardin, from where they will be returning to Thailand.
Saudi Arabia is another destination where repatriation flights to Thailand are still possible. The Thai embassy in Riyadh and Thai consulate-general in Jeddah have been closely coordinating with Thai embassies in neighbouring countries, namely Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, whose airspace remains closed for the repatriation of Thai citizens across the border to catch flights back home.
Panidol mentioned that discussions are also underway regarding the repatriation of Thai citizens via private flights. The Riyadh-Bangkok flight service remains operational, with consideration given to increasing the number of flights to evacuate Thai citizens from various countries as needed.
Regarding the UAE, the Thai embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Thai consulate-general in Dubai have been closely assisting stranded Thai citizens. Emirates and Air Arabia resumed flights yesterday, with the former’s airplanes landing at both Bangkok and Phuket, and the latter in Bangkok.
Between Feb. 28 and Mar. 7, a total of 584 flights were cancelled or delayed, affecting 78,564 passengers. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand was instructed to see to it that airlines fully care for and assist passengers according to regulations. The Airports of Thailand and the Department of Airports too were told to facilitate and closely monitor flight situations.
CAPTION:
Top – Smoke and fire rise from the site of airstrikes at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran on Mar. 7, 2026. Photo: AFP/ATTA KENARE and published by CNA
First insert – Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat and Mr. Jirarooj Sukulrat at today’s press conference. Photo – PPTVHD36
Second insert – Smoke rises from the site of airstrikes in a central area of the Iranian capital Tehran on Mar, 6, 2026. Photo: AFP/ATTA KENARE and published by CNA
Front Page – A fireball rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Mar. 6, 2026. Photo: AFP and published by CNA
Also read:
BA confident of Thai tourism industry despite Middle East turmoil
Fertilizer retailers fear prolonged war will drive up prices
Thai embassy in Iran temporarily moves to Turkey
US hasn’t asked to use U-Tapao Airport: Minister
Lesson from Tehran: Unsecured surveillance cameras are a tool for opponents
Public urged to not hoard fuel with diesel price fixed for 15 days
Yodchanan tipped to be named Pheu Thai leader
Newin to have final say over Bhumjaithai ministerial seats
100 party-listed, designate-MPs initially verified
People’s to file duty-negligence, misconduct lawsuit against Election Commission
