There are contingency evacuation plans in place for Thai citizens living in the Middle East amid a new round of the US-led war against Iran, said Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
Mr Sihasak was speaking from the Philippines where he attended the Asean foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) held a meeting to monitor and assess the tense situation in the Middle East following the end of the ceasefire and the renewed fighting there.
During during previous clashes, Thais were evacuated from Iran safely.
“The MFA has to prepare to handle all scenarios and assess our readiness, especially if another evacuation of Thai citizens is necessary. I can confirm that we are prepared for any eventuality,” he said.
Eksiri Pintaruchi, the ministry’s permanent secretary, on Tuesday chaired the meeting to monitor the situation in the Middle East, which was attended by representatives of all Thai embassies and consulates in the Middle East region via teleconference.
Attendants exchanged information and followed the progress in caring for and providing assistance to Thai people in each country. They also reviewed the readiness of plans to assist and evacuate Thai nationals if the situation changes according to the context of each area, the ministry said.
Embassies and consulates general in the turbulent region have informed Thai nationals there to closely follow news dispensed by them and to also strictly follow the announcements and warnings of their host country.
Currently, there are no reports of Thai nationals in the Middle East region being severely affected by the conflict, the ministry said.
Meanwhile, Mr Sihasak said the Asean ministers’ meeting has discussed the central role Asean plays in fostering global peace and security.
The situation in Myanmar remains concerning, he said, adding Thailand’s policy emphasises dialogue and interaction, without abandoning Asean’s five-point consensus.
However, Thailand has to acknowledged its interests in border security, he said.
This encompasses numerous issues including border trade, transnational organised crime, drug trafficking, and pollution, which requires dialogue with the Myanmar government.
Thailand has urged the new Myanmar government to continue the dialogue process towards peace and reconciliation, and expressed Thailand’s readiness to facilitate talks, involving both ethnic minorities and the Myanmar government.