THAILAND BEGINS EVACUATING NATIONALS FROM IRAN, 69 TO LEAVE TOMORROW

BANGKOK, March 6 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has begun evacuating Thai nationals from Iran, with the first group of 69 people scheduled to depart Tehran tomorrow.

Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Panidone Pachimsawat, said the number of Thais seeking assistance in Iran has risen from 117 to 125.

He said the evacuation will be carried out in two groups travelling overland, with the first group of 69 people scheduled to depart on March 7, while the second group of 56 people will leave on March 10.

He said the first group of evacuees is expected to arrive in Van, Turkey, on March 7 before they await flights back to Thailand over the next two or three days.

The ministry also urged Thai nationals in Iran who wish to return to Thailand to immediately contact the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran so that the necessary documentation can be coordinated with relevant authorities in a timely manner.

“From tomorrow onwards, the Royal Thai Embassy in Ankara will establish a temporary operations centre in Van, Turkey, to facilitate Thai nationals evacuating from Iran and travelling back to Thailand. The centre will also serve as a temporary office for the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran to assist Thai nationals remaining in Iran,” he said.

He added that there have been no reports so far of Thai nationals injured or killed as a result of the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

“Thai embassies and consulates-general will continue to facilitate and provide information to Thai nationals wishing to return home, while coordinating with relevant authorities to expedite documentation procedures,” he said.

-- BERNAMA