Thailand's Immigration Bureau has announced urgent measures to assist foreign nationals affected by the conflict in the Middle East region since 28 February 2026, which has resulted in airspace closures and prevented some individuals from departing the country.

The measures apply to foreign nationals whose permission to stay expired from 28 February 2026 onward and who are unable to depart Thailand due to the situation. The initiative is intended to mitigate hardship while ensuring compliance with Thai immigration laws.

According to the bureau, the closure of airspace in the region has led to flight cancellations and travel disruptions, leaving some foreign nationals unable to leave Thailand before their permitted stay expired.

The measures are as follows:

∙ Waiver of overstay fines for departure

In cases where a foreign national remains in the country with an expired permission to stay and wishes to depart, the overstay fine shall be waived. No fine will be imposed.

∙ Application for temporary stay

If a foreign national remains in Thailand with an expired permission to stay and wishes to apply for temporary stay, immigration officers shall first proceed with fine settlement in accordance with the law. Thereafter, officers may consider granting an extension of temporary stay for a period not exceeding 30 days per permission.

∙ Applications must be supported by the following documents:

- Application form (TM.7)

- Copy of passport or travel document in lieu of a passport

- A letter certifying the necessity or reason issued by an embassy or consulate. If such a letter cannot be presented, immigration officers shall record a statement of necessity or reason for applying for temporary stay in accordance with the prescribed form.

- Forms STM.2, STM.2/1, and STM.9

The Immigration Bureau stated that these measures shall remain in effect from now onward until the situation returns to normal, or until there is an official order amending or revoking the measures.

Visitors are encouraged to stay updated through the official Immigration Bureau website at https://www.immigration.go.th/