As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise, the Thai government is taking swift action to ensure the safety of its people. On Tuesday, government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub announced that Thailand is preparing military aircraft to evacuate its nationals from both countries, where missile exchanges have entered their fifth consecutive day.
An estimated 40,000 Thai citizens currently reside in Israel, many of them working on farms through a government-supported labor program. In Iran, around 300 Thai nationals are believed to be living across the country. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Thai authorities have already begun working closely with military officials to arrange flights and bring their people back home safely.
“We’re not waiting. Our embassies are ready, our evacuation plans are in place, and we’ve coordinated with the military to bring our people home as soon as it becomes possible,” said Jirayu, following a cabinet meeting.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on Friday—sparked by Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities—both Israel and Iran have closed their airspace, complicating immediate evacuation efforts. Despite these challenges, Thai embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran are on high alert and fully engaged in supporting Thai nationals on the ground.
In Tehran, the Thai embassy has set up a temporary shelter for citizens outside the capital, providing a safe haven as they await further instructions. Updates are being shared via the embassy’s official Facebook page to ensure timely communication with those in need.
Thailand isn’t the only country mobilizing support. China has also managed to evacuate some of its citizens from Iran, confirming that they had reached neighboring countries safely, according to Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.
For Thailand, the priority is clear: bring its people home safely, and bring them home soon.
