Bangkok: The Prime Minister convened a meeting with the National Security Council to evaluate the situation in the Middle East. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, included key figures such as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanpraphas, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkaew, and other prominent officials, including the commanders of the armed forces.
According to Thai News Agency, the Foreign Minister confirmed Thailand's readiness to coordinate the care and evacuation of Thai citizens. The Secretary-General of the National Security Council, Chatchai Bangchawad, instructed intelligence agencies and immigration officials to intensify checks on incoming travelers. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew expressed concern over the US military operation against Iran and the subsequent retaliation, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution. He highlighted that the Thai embassy is in close contact with approximately 200 Thai citizens in Iran, with 20 already expressing a desire to return.
In Israel, 5,000 Thai citizens reside, none of whom have been affected but have shown interest in returning. In the UAE, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, over 1,000 Thais have expressed a desire to return, with commercial airlines still operational. Bahrain hosts 6,900 Thais, while in countries like Qatar and Kuwait, embassies are reaching out to gauge citizens' interest in returning, reporting no issues so far.
The Foreign Minister affirmed the preparedness to evacuate Thai citizens and coordinate with their relatives in the Middle East. The National Security Council analyzed the situation, suggesting the conflict may not be limited to nuclear threats and could lead to a prolonged war. Embassies across the Middle East have been instructed to maintain contact. Domestically, Chatchai Bangchawad indicated ongoing monitoring of groups involved in the conflict, tracking their movements and social media activity.
Later today, the Prime Minister will chair another meeting at the Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House, with representatives from the Thai Chamber of Commerce, commercial banks, and export-import businesses to discuss measures to mitigate potential impacts on the public.