BangkokPost-Mar 9
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Thai nationals to leave the Middle East, particularly Israel, as fighting intensifies between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Panidone Pachimsawat, the ministry’s deputy spokesman and acting director-general of the Department of Information, said on Wednesday that recent developments indicate a significant escalation. Israel has carried out major attacks in Lebanon, while several Arab countries still face missile and drone strikes from Iran, most of which have been intercepted. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow held phone talks with his counterparts in Kuwait and Jordan on Tuesday to thank them for assisting Thai nationals and facilitating evacuations. Jordan has served as a key transit hub for Thais returning home from the Middle East. Mr Panidone said two Thai nationals crossed from Iran into Turkiye on Tuesday and will arrive in Thailand on Thursday. Another evacuation round from Iran is planned for next Wednesday. He advised Thai nationals in Iran to monitor safety conditions closely and register with the Thai embassy if they plan to return home. Meanwhile, the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv warned of a likely escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, urging Thai citizens to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols, especially during air-raid sirens. Across the region, Thai embassies and consulates continue to provide shelter, essential supplies and coordination with airlines for repatriation flights where possible. In areas with closed airspace, officials are arranging overland transit to neighboring countries. Since the outbreak of the conflict, a total of 1,149 Thai nationals have been assisted in leaving the region, either returning to Thailand or relocating to third countries. The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safe evacuation of all affected citizens as quickly as possible, Mr Panidone said. Read more at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3219564/government-urges-thai-citizens-to-leave-israel?tbref=hp. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip.
