BANGKOK – Rising tensions in the Middle East have prompted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to instruct Thai embassies in related countries to closely monitor and assess the situation. Thai diplomatic officials are reported to have prepared plans to ensure the safety of Thai nationals in Iraq and Iran.
The Director-General of the Department of Information, and Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, BusadeeSantipitaks, said today the United States did not notify Thailand about the recent US strike in Iraq, as previously reported.
The Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, called a meeting with high-ranking officials of the ministry to acknowledge reports from Thai embassies in related countries. Thai diplomatic officials have prepared plans to ensure the safety of 89 Thai nationals in Iraq and 359 Thais in Iran, most of whom are students or workers.
Ms. Busadee said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely following the situation in the Middle East. If necessary, the ministry will call a meeting of the Rapid Response Center (RRC) with relevant agencies, to evaluate the situation and come up with measures to assist Thai people in the region.
The Labor Minister, MR JatumongkolSonakul, said he had instructed the minister-counselors for labor affairs in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to visit Thai workers in Iraq and Iran and coordinate with their employers to gather information about their needs and working conditions. The agencies have created channels for workers to call for assistance and have prepared accommodation should they have to be evacuated.
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