ASIATODAY.ID, BANGKOK — The escalating conflict in the Middle East is now sending shockwaves across global travel routes, leaving more than 4,500 foreign tourists stranded in Thailand after widespread airspace closures and flight disruptions across West Asia.
Thailand’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Natreeya Taweewong, said the government has mobilized emergency assistance for affected travelers while coordinating closely with embassies and relevant agencies.
According to official data, 4,525 international tourists received assistance between February 28 and March 10, 2026, through crisis response mechanisms established by the ministry.
“Thailand is fully prepared to ensure the safety of all visitors and provide support throughout their travel and stay in the country,” Natreeya said in a statement published on the Royal Thai Government’s website on Thursday.
Most of the stranded tourists were unable to continue their journeys due to airport closures and restricted airspace in parts of West Asia, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute numerous international flights.
To address the situation, the government activated Tourist Assistance Centers (TAC) at five major international gateways:
– Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)
– Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok)
– Chiang Mai International Airport
– Phuket International Airport
– Krabi International Airport
Through these airport-based assistance hubs, 2,833 tourists have received direct support.
Meanwhile, 918 travelers sought help through the Tourism Situation Monitoring Center (TSMC) via emergency hotlines, while provincial tourism and sports offices in 32 provinces assisted another 774 tourists.
Government support measures include: coordinating special hotel rates for stranded travelers, providing updated travel information, and facilitating visa extensions for visitors forced to prolong their stay.
The disruption to aviation has been significant. Within just four days, 166 flights to Thailand were canceled, highlighting the widening ripple effects of the Middle East crisis on international air travel.
Despite the global turmoil, Thai authorities stressed that the country remains safe and ready to protect tourists, while strengthening crisis management mechanisms to maintain confidence in Thailand’s tourism industry—one of the nation’s most critical economic pillars. (AT Network)
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