Bangkok, March 7th, 2026 – Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed an official order establishing a dedicated coordination body to track the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East and safeguard national interests amid ongoing regional hostilities.
The new entity, known as the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East, was formally created through Prime Minister’s Office Order No. 53/2026, effective immediately from March 6, 2026. The center will provide swift, efficient monitoring and analysis of the conflict’s developments, while recommending protective measures and ensuring a coordinated government response across multiple sectors.
Prime Minister Anutin will serve as Advisor to the Center. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has been appointed Director, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas serving as Deputy Director.
The Center brings together a high-level committee comprising several key Cabinet ministers and senior officials. Members include:
– Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, Minister of Defence
– Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs
– Auttapol Rerkpiboon, Minister of Energy
– Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce
– Treenuch Thienthong, Minister of Labor
Additional representatives come from critical institutions such as the Bank of Thailand, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the National Security Council, and other relevant agencies.
The Center’s primary responsibilities include close observation and in-depth analysis of the Middle East situation, evaluating potential repercussions for Thailand in areas such as energy security, oil prices, trade flows, tourism, labor (including Thai workers abroad), and broader economic stability. It will propose targeted mitigation strategies to the Cabinet and facilitate seamless inter-agency coordination to deliver a unified national approach.
The move comes as tensions in the Middle East, involving exchanges between Israel, the United States, Iran, and other parties, continue to raise global concerns over energy markets, supply chains, and regional stability. Thai authorities have already stepped up efforts in related areas, including evacuation planning for Thai nationals in affected countries and heightened domestic security measures.
Government officials explained that the Center will enable proactive responses to minimize disruptions, ensuring Thailand remains prepared for any escalation or prolonged volatility in the region.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
