Bangkok: The Ministry of Labour has taken significant measures to delay the deployment of Thai workers to the Middle East due to escalating tensions in the region. A center has been established to monitor the ongoing situation, with plans for emergency evacuations and the promotion of the Smart TOEA application for tracking and assistance purposes.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Labour, announced during a press conference at the Joint Emergency Situation Center in the Middle East that a total of 61,396 Thai nationals are currently working and residing in the region. These individuals have registered their employment through the Department of Employment. In light of the conflicts that began on February 28, 2026, the Ministry has implemented several protective measures.
A coordination center under the Ministry of Labour has been set up to monitor the unrest closely and adjust procedures as necessary. This center, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, is working in close coordination with reports from Thailand. In response to the instability, the Ministry has temporarily suspended the deployment of Thai workers to high-risk countries, including Israel and Iran, until the situation stabilizes.
The Ministry is also promoting the use of the Smart TOEA app, which is being disseminated to Thai workers through Labour Offices in the Middle East and all 76 provincial Labour Offices in Thailand. This application will help record the coordinates of Thai workers' workplaces and residences, enabling timely assistance from the Ministry, the Royal Thai Embassy, and other relevant agencies in case of emergencies. It will also serve as a vital communication channel for sharing important information.
Additionally, Provincial Labor Offices and affiliated agencies are conducting field visits to the families of migrant workers to raise awareness and encourage the use of the application. Families are being asked to inform their workers about the app, which can provide crucial location information during emergencies.
Thai workers in each country have been provided with contact information for the embassy and public announcements regarding registration channels. They have been urged to register with the embassies in the Middle East and comply with warning announcements.
The Ministry is also preparing for potential labor evacuations by forming a working group to support personnel relocation if necessary. For the welfare of workers, the Ministry has established three overseas offices in Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, which work closely with the Thai Embassy to facilitate matters for Thai workers.