Thailand has intensified monitoring and contingency procedures for shipping and air travel following escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Authorities are assisting Thai nationals and coordinating secure passage for vessels affected by disruptions at strategic maritime chokepoints. The Joint Management and Monitoring Centre reported regional tensions heightened after Iran imposed a ban on certain vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, while Yemen's Houthi group declared its involvement in hostilities.
Deputy Foreign Minister Panidone Pachimsawat announced that Thailand is closely observing maritime traffic, especially Thai commercial shipping, amid increased uncertainty. A specialized task force has been established to collaborate with relevant agencies and negotiate safe passage for Thai vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. He also noted that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned of potential attacks extending beyond U.S. military targets to include educational institutions, prompting evacuations around U.S.-linked facilities.
“The Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv has coordinated with neighboring countries, including Jordan, to facilitate evacuation routes for Thai citizens. So far, no injuries have been reported among Thais in Oman or Yemen, but authorities advise heightened caution. Since the conflict's outbreak, 1,532 Thai nationals have been assisted in leaving the Middle East via return or onward travel, with high-risk individuals advised to depart promptly.”, said Panidone Pachimsawat.
Separately, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand monitors regional aviation disruptions as some airlines begin resuming limited services. Carriers in the UAE have restarted select routes, while others affected by restrictions in countries such as Bahrain and Kuwait are temporarily relocating and gradually restoring operations.
