Bangkok: The Center for Emergency Situation Administration (CESA) has declared that the situation in the Middle East remains tense and uncertain, affirming that no Thai nationals have been injured.
According to Thai News Agency, the Center for Monitoring and Managing the Conflict in the Middle East (CMC) also issued a statement confirming the safety of Thai citizens and ongoing assistance efforts.
At a press conference held at the Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House, Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided updates on the Middle East situation and the progress in assisting Thai nationals. Mr. Nantapong Chiraleartpong, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy and spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, addressed domestic chemical fertilizer stockpile concerns.
Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat highlighted the volatile conditions in countries such as Iran, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon. The US government has indicated its military focus will be on its bases and not other regional countries, citing self-defense. Despite the closure of Qatar to commercial flights, Qatar Airways is conducting emergency flights for cargo and evacuation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Thai nationals in high-risk areas to leave promptly and register their contact details with local Thai diplomatic missions.
Assistance for Thai nationals in Iran involves the safe evacuation of 62 individuals from Tehran and Qom to Turkey, with planned returns to Thailand. Coordination between the Department of Consular Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassies is ensuring the safe departure of Thai citizens from the Middle East.
For Thai nationals in Iraq, three evacuation efforts have successfully brought 18 individuals to Turkey, with further travel arrangements to Thailand underway. In total, 292 Thai nationals stranded in the Middle East have been assisted back to Thailand.
Mr. Nantapong Chiraleartpong assured that Thailand's chemical fertilizer stock is sufficient, with ongoing monitoring to maintain stable prices. Despite the Middle East tensions, current fertilizer stocks were acquired beforehand, preventing price hikes. The government is taking measures to ensure price stability and prosecute any unfair pricing practices. Farmers are encouraged to report excessive pricing to relevant authorities to safeguard their interests.