Summary of Press Briefing by the Joint Press Center on the Emergency Situation in the Middle East on 5 March 2026

Summary of Press Briefing
by the Joint Press Center on the Emergency Situation in the Middle East
on 5 March 2026 at 18:10 hrs
MFA Press Conference Room

1. Developments on the situation in the Middle East and actions taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

1.1 Developments on the Situation in the Middle East

• The situation remains highly fragile and fluid, as Israel, the U.S. and Iran continue to exchange attacks. The conflict has also affected neighboring countries, particularly Lebanon, where multiple areas, including Beirut, have been targeted by airstrikes.
• No Thai nationals have been reported injured or killed; however, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Thai citizens to leave high-risk areas as soon as possible and register their contact details with the responsible Royal Thai Embassies or Consulates-General to facilitate assistance. Thai nationals may contact the respective missions at any time through the available channels.

1.2. Developments on assistance being provided to Thai nationals in the affected areas

• In Iran, a total of 117 Thai nationals have registered for evacuation. The first group of 68 people will depart on 7 March 2026, while the second group of 49 people will depart on 10 March 2026, with some still in the process of obtaining exit visas.
• The Ministry therefore urges any additional Thai nationals in Iran who wish to return to contact the Royal Thai Embassy immediately so that the necessary documentation can be coordinated.
• Officials from the Consular Affairs Department have traveled to Türkiye today to facilitate assistance for Thai evacuees from Iran who will cross the border by land into Türkiye before continuing their journey by air back to Thailand.
• The Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh, which is responsible for Lebanon, has also issued an advisory for Thai nationals to:

(1) Leave Lebanon as soon as possible while commercial flights remain available;

(2) Avoid traveling to high-risk areas; and,

(3) Register their contact details with the Embassy for emergency assistance and closely monitor updates and announcements issued by the Embassy for the latest information and guidance.

• For Kuwait and Qatar, the airspace remains closed. The Royal Thai Embassies will continue to closely monitor the situation in order to assess additional safe passageways, should the need for an evacuation arise.
• The Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General in other affected areas are also facilitating Thai nationals who wish to return to Thailand by coordinating with relevant authorities to expedite necessary procedures. They also continue to assess additional potential evacuation routes in case of emergencies, as well as to provide other forms of assistance as needed, including the recent establishment of a support center in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to facilitate additional Thai nationals who may cross from Bahrain and other countries in order to connect to flights returning to Thailand.
• The Department of Mental Health has launched a Line Official account to provide mental health consultations for Thai nationals in the Middle East.
• The situation remains fragile and fluid, and Thailand's actions must therefore be carefully balanced and appropriate to the circumstances, in accordance with international law. Above all, decisions must be guided by Thailand's foremost priority at this time, which is the safety of Thai nationals.
• In this challenging period, everyone, particularly those with a keen understanding of the situation and the Ministry's core mandate, is encouraged to approach the matter with sensitivity. While constructive criticism is welcome, it should be exercised responsibly, with due consideration for the safety of Thai citizens who remain in the affected areas.

1. The situation of Thai labour in the Middle East (Ministry of Labour)

• There are approximately 61,396 Thai workers living and working in the Middle East through the Ministry of Labour's employment channels.
• The Ministry of Labour has taken several measures, as follows:
• Firstly, a War Room has been established, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, to closely monitor the situation and coordinate assistance for Thai workers.
• Secondly, the deployment of Thai workers to high-risk countries in the Middle East has been temporarily suspended.
• Additionally, Thai workers are encouraged to activate the SMART TOEA application, which records the location of their workplace or residence, allowing relevant agencies to provide timely assistance in case of emergencies. Provincial labour offices are also visiting the families of Thai workers in the Middle East to raise awareness, provide moral support, and promote the use of the application.
• Lastly, a task force has been set up to provide personnel support should it become necessary to evacuate Thai workers. Offices of Labour Affairs in Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh are working closely with the Royal Thai Embassies to assist and facilitate Thai workers in the region.

1. Impacts of the situation in the Middle East on commodity prices (Ministry of Commerce)

3.1 Overview of price oversight measures

• The Ministry of Commerce has been closely and continuously monitoring the potential impacts arising from the situation in the Middle East, in accordance with the Government's policy directives. The primary objective is to safeguard the public's cost of living and to prevent any unjustified price adjustments not supported by genuine cost factors.
• The Government has introduced temporary energy measures, including maintaining the retail price of diesel and fuel service stations nationwide. So far, the Ministry has observed cooperation in alignment with these measures.
• Based on current assessments, there are no material cost pressures that would warrant increases in the prices of consumer goods at this time. Product supply remains adequate, and distribution systems continue to function normally and efficiently

3.2 Nationwide integrated field monitoring

• The Ministry of Commerce, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, has undertaken integrated field inspections across all provinces. Provincial Governors, Provincial Commerce Offices, and relevant local agencies have also been tasked with closely monitoring product pricing and distribution.
• Field reports nationwide indicate that commercial activities remain in order, supply levels are sufficient, and prices largely remain within normal ranges. No significant price adjustments attributable to external developments have been identified.

3.3 Systematic monitoring of cost structures and price stability

• An integrated working group has been established to assess potential structural cost impacts in collaboration with relevant agencies and private sector stakeholders. Particular attention is being given to the implications of global energy developments, especially the effects of oil prices on transportation, production inputs, petrochemical materials, fertilizers, and packaging.
• Monitoring is conducted by product category to ensure that any cost variations are carefully evaluated and that supervisory measures are grounded in factual evidence. This approach aims to prevent premature or unnecessary price adjustments.
• The Ministry of Commerce will continue consultations with manufacturers, importers, and retailers to ensure prudent stock management and appropriate distribution, particularly for imported goods.
• The Ministry of Commerce reaffirms its steadfast commitment to utilizing all legal, administrative, and inter-agency mechanisms to ensure price stability, protect the public's cost of living, and sustain confidence throughout this period.