Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow on 19 March 2026 met Mr. Nasereddin Heydari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Thailand, and both sides discussed the ongoing tensions in the Middle East

The Foreign Minister reiterated the urgent return to dialogue and diplomacy, while the Iranian Ambassador asked Thailand and ASEAN countries to urge all conflicting parties to help end the ongoing conflict in the region.

Mr. Sihasak also reiterated Thailand’s request for urgent assistance in the search and rescue of three Thai crew members on board the vessel “Mayuree Naree.” He emphasized the importance of Iranian naval support for this humanitarian mission and the facilitation of safe passage for Thai commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian Ambassador informed that the Thai side’s requests had already been conveyed to the relevant Iranian authorities. In principle, the Iranian side stands ready to assist in both requests. Regarding the passage of Thai commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which had already been discussed between the two Foreign Ministers, the Iranian Ambassador agreed that Thailand, as a friendly nation, should be permitted safe passage. The Iranian Ambassador will follow up on these two requests with Iran’s relevant authorities and revert back to the Thai side at the earliest opportunity.

Previously, on 17 March, on the sidelines of the Global Fraud Summit in Vienna, Mr. Sihasak held telephone conversations with Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, and Mr. Ayman Al Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The telephone conversations with both countries formed part of Thailand’s efforts to express support for its partners in the region in addressing the situation in the Middle East and advancing diplomatic efforts to restore peace as soon as possible. These efforts include the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Special Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East held on 13 March 2026. 

The Thai side also expressed appreciation for the assistance extended to Thai nationals residing in both countries and for facilitating those returning to Thailand.

The Kuwaiti and Jordanian sides reaffirmed their readiness to continue providing assistance to Thai nationals residing in their respective countries and to facilitate those wishing to return to Thailand. Both countries also expressed concern regarding the vessel “Mayuree Naree” and underscored the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the region. Notably, Jordan has been one of the key transit points for the repatriation of Thai nationals from the Middle East.