BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s foreign minister rejected reports that the United States had asked to use U-Tapao airport as a base for operations against Iran, while confirming plans to evacuate more than 200 Thai nationals from the country.
Rumours over U-Tapao – ministry says firm No
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said that a meeting on 4 March with US Ambassador Sean K. O’Neill did not include any request for military use of U-Tapao in strikes on Iran.
Instead, he explained, the talks covered bilateral relations, assessments of the regional situation, negotiations on import tariffs and issues of defence cooperation.
What is routine in security arrangements
The minister noted that cooperation involving Thai airports had long existed as part of standard security arrangements.
These included overflight rights and refuelling, which Thailand said it conducted with many states.
Where Bangkok draws a red line
Using Thai infrastructure as an operational base for attacks on a state with which Thailand maintained “good relations” was not part of national policy, Sihasak said.
By stressing this, Bangkok sought to counter any impression that it was being drawn into a potential military conflict, even as routine security contacts with partners continued.
Evacuation from Iran – departure overland from Tehran
According to Sihasak, talks were under way with the Iranian ambassador in Bangkok on returning Thai nationals from Iran.
The focus was on evacuating more than 200 Thais in the country, who were to be transported overland from Tehran to the Turkish border.
Timeline kept secret – coordination with several states
An evacuation plan was already in place, but details on timing and procedures could not be disclosed, the foreign minister stated.
Bangkok was coordinating security issues with the Iranian embassy in Thailand and the Thai embassy in Iran, and was also in contact with the United States and Israel regarding the route, date and details of the departure.
Humanitarian, not military – Thailand’s four-point line
Thailand viewed the evacuation as a humanitarian matter, and the route had to be free from the danger of fighting, Sihasak emphasised.
He outlined the official stance: the safety of Thai nationals came first; Thailand was not a party to the conflict; Bangkok relied on diplomatic negotiations rather than military means; and its approach was guided by international law and the UN Charter.
Criticism over “ambiguity” – minister rebuts experts
The minister acknowledged criticism from experts and former officials who described Thailand’s position as insufficiently clear.
“Thailand’s stance is clear, balanced and serves to protect the national interest, which at present mainly means concern for more than 100,000 Thais in the region.”
said Sihasak Phuangketkeow, foreign minister.