Thailand has stepped up urgent evacuation preparations for its citizens in the Middle East as regional tensions escalate, with authorities mobilising military aircraft, charter flights and diplomatic coordination to ensure the safe return of nationals who wish to leave the region.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered government agencies to accelerate contingency plans and maintain round-the-clock monitoring of developments.

Officials said the safety of Thai nationals remains the government’s top priority, particularly as the security situation in parts of the Middle East has become increasingly volatile.

Authorities are prioritising assistance for Thai citizens in areas considered high-risk, including Iran and Israel.

The government has coordinated closely with the Royal Thai Air Force to prepare evacuation flights and is also considering chartered commercial aircraft to expand transport capacity where necessary.

In cases where direct flights are not possible due to airspace restrictions, evacuees may first be moved to neighbouring countries before continuing their journey home.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has instructed embassies across the region to identify citizens who wish to return and to organise assembly points and documentation procedures to facilitate departures.

Officials are also working with local authorities to ensure safe transit routes and temporary shelters for those awaiting evacuation.

The government estimates that tens of thousands of Thai nationals live and work across the Middle East.

Labour ministry figures indicate that nearly sixty thousand Thais are registered with labour offices in Israel alone, while more than eleven thousand are registered through Thailand’s labour office in Abu Dhabi, which oversees several Gulf states.

To manage the rapidly evolving situation, a national crisis coordination centre has been established to oversee evacuation logistics, monitor developments and provide assistance through emergency hotlines and embassy services.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces have confirmed that they remain at maximum readiness to carry out evacuation missions immediately once operational approval is issued.

Officials say the accelerated preparations reflect Thailand’s proactive approach to protecting its citizens abroad during periods of international instability.

The government has pledged that any Thai nationals wishing to return home will receive full support and assistance until they reach safety.

Authorities continue to urge citizens in affected areas to remain vigilant, follow guidance from Thai embassies and local officials, and register their status with diplomatic missions so evacuation arrangements can proceed quickly if conditions deteriorate further.