Thailand braces for US-Iran fallout - Bangkok Post
Gen Chaipruak Doungprapat, head of the National Security Council, says state agencies had already begun preparations, stressing that readiness measures should not be interpreted as an indication of an impending crisis. (Photo: Royal Thai Army) The National Security Council (NSC) will convene an urgent meeting on Wednesday to review national preparedness measures amid growing concerns over the situation in the Middle East.
The meeting follows warnings by several countries urging their citizens to stockpile sufficient food and drinking water for at least 72 hours and to prepare for possible emergencies.
NSC secretary-general Gen Chaipruak Doungprapat said relevant agencies had already begun preparations, stressing that readiness measures should not be interpreted as an indication of an impending crisis.
Rather, government agencies, contingency plans and the public must all be prepared to ensure the country's readiness to respond to developments at different levels.
He said state agencies had made arrangements for both routine operations and contingencies involving various levels of emergency. The NSC would invite agencies and academics monitoring the situation to discuss appropriate preparations and possible responses.
"The government agencies would make every effort to ensure national preparedness and provide information to the public at an appropriate time," he said.
Asked about foreign media reports suggesting the United States might launch another military operation against Iran in the near future, Gen Chaipruak said Thai intelligence agencies were monitoring military deployments and diplomatic movements by the countries concerned to assess the level of risk.
"Thailand was prepared to evacuate its citizens from affected areas should the situation deteriorate. The Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Defence Ministry were already coordinating preparations and holding daily discussions," he said.
Plans to secure alternative energy supplies had also been drawn up following the initial crisis, although further discussions would be needed to refine arrangements in response to developments that might differ from previous circumstances.
On the risk of cyberattacks, he said agencies, including the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the NSC, were aware of the situation and had made preparations.
Gen Chaipruak said any escalation between the United States and Iran would inevitably affect energy supplies and could have wider economic consequences.
The government had already prepared for such risks, with the prime minister instructing the NSC to identify areas requiring advance preparation. He added that the potential duration and extent of any renewed confrontation would depend on how the situation unfolded.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Friday urged the public to remain vigilant but not panic following reports that several countries have advised their citizens to stockpile food, stressing Thailand remains food secure and well prepared for any disruptions. "I am asking people to stay alert," he said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the government was closely monitoring developments in the Middle East following reports that the United States might resume military action against Iran.
Thai nationals living in countries that have advised residents to stockpile food were urged to follow local government announcements and instructions.
If public safety were threatened, evacuations or relocations to safer areas may be necessary. Thailand has plans with the military and has carried out similar operations, he said.
