BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand sharply criticized the United States over its military strike on Caracas and moved to safeguard its citizens in Venezuela amid rising tensions.
Bangkok condemns US action and urges restraint
The Thai Foreign Ministry issued an official statement strongly criticizing the United States.
“Washington should practice what it preaches.”
said the ministry in its declaration.
Thailand called on all parties to the conflict to seek a peaceful solution in line with the UN Charter and to prevent any further escalation of violence to protect civilians. The government said it was monitoring the situation around the clock after the Saturday incident in which US troops arrested President Nicolás Maduro, sharply deepening the crisis.
Embassy on high alert for Thai nationals
The deteriorating security environment created acute uncertainty for the roughly 200 Thais living in Venezuela. The Thai embassy in Lima, Peru, which is responsible for Venezuela, was placed on high alert.
Diplomats said they were already in close contact with the Thai community.
“We are ready to provide any necessary assistance and, if needed, to carry out an evacuation.”
said one diplomat.
An evacuation plan was prepared in advance, officials noted. If the security situation worsened further, Thai nationals could be flown out on an emergency flight.
Travel warning and guidance for citizens
The ministry issued an official travel warning advising that all non-essential trips to Venezuela be postponed indefinitely. Thais already in the country were urged to follow local news closely and strictly comply with the instructions of the embassy.
Authorities said conditions in Caracas remained tense and unpredictable after targeted US airstrikes on military bases, including Fort Tiuna. The government warned that the situation could change rapidly and urged citizens to remain vigilant.
Historical reference and appeal to US standards
In its statement, Bangkok included a pointed historical reference to earlier Thai-Cambodian border conflicts, during which the United States repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire. The comparison was described as a reminder of the standards Washington had previously promoted.
Thailand’s implied message was that the US should adhere to its own benchmarks and prioritize diplomatic channels over military action. The government reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of sovereignty and peaceful conflict resolution.
Implications of Maduro’s arrest
Officials noted that the arrest of Maduro and his transfer to the United States in New York represented an unprecedented development. The new Venezuelan president Delcy Rodríguez responded by calling for a firm domestic reaction.
“National mobilization” against the “imperialist aggression.”
said Rodríguez.
For Thai nationals, authorities assessed that the situation carried high risks stemming from potential unrest, street fighting or retaliatory attacks. The Thai government said it was acting preventively to avoid being drawn into Venezuela’s political turmoil and to protect its citizens.
Diplomatic balancing act in a volatile crisis
Officials in Bangkok framed the response as a demonstration of diplomatic sensitivity. Thailand criticized the US military operation while avoiding steps that could fundamentally damage ties with a key partner.
At the same time, the government underlined that the safety of its citizens remained its top priority, describing this balanced position as characteristic of Thai foreign policy. Authorities said the coming hours and days would determine whether the contingency evacuation plans would have to be activated.