Thai Embassy Clarifies Relocation vs Evacuation Advisory
Thai Embassy Clarifies Relocation vs Evacuation Advisory - Amol Shelter Available
Published by Living in Tehran | 18 June 2025
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that the Thai Embassy in Tehran advised nationals to move to safer areas, not to evacuate, as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate.
Ministry Clarification
📋 Official Statement
The Ministry explained that the embassy had advised Thai citizens to “leave the area,” which means relocating from dangerous zones in Tehran to safer areas or shelters provided by the embassy, once it is feasible. This differs from the term “evacuate,” which implies organising transportation to leave the country.
Current Situation
Currently, no Thai citizens have requested evacuation from Iran, though the embassy has prepared plans for assistance and continues to assess the situation and inquire about the intentions of Thai nationals.
Temporary Shelter Arrangements
🏠 Amol Shelter Facility
Since June 16, the Thai Embassy in Tehran has opened a temporary shelter in Amol, Mazandaran Province, northern Iran:
- Location: Amol, Mazandaran Province (northern Iran)
- Safety features: Safe area far from military or nuclear sites
- Capacity: Up to 200 people
- Current occupancy: 35 Thai nationals
Foreign Minister’s Statement
Monitoring and Assessment
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa stated that the Ministry and the embassy in Iran is closely monitoring the situation and providing updates as it develops. Reports indicate that the situation is worsening, posing increasing risks to the safety and security of citizens’ lives and property.
International Context
Other countries, such as the United States and China, have already advised their citizens to “leave the area” since June 17.
⚠️ Minister’s Recommendation
Minister Maris urged Thai citizens in Iran to consider leaving the areas as soon as it is safe to do so.
Emergency Contact Information
Terminology Clarification
Key Distinctions
📚 Official Definitions
“Leave the area”: Relocating from dangerous zones in Tehran to safer areas or embassy-provided shelters
“Evacuate”: Organising transportation to leave the country entirely
Preparedness and Future Planning
Embassy Preparedness
The embassy has prepared comprehensive plans for assistance and continues to assess the situation while inquiring about the intentions of Thai nationals in Iran.
Escalation Protocols
Minister Maris reassured that if the situation escalates further and evacuation becomes necessary, the Ministry will promptly inform Thai nationals.
📢 Important Instructions
All Thai nationals are urged to:
- Stay updated with local government and embassy communications
- Comply with all regulations and guidelines
- Maintain contact with embassy hotlines
Current Shelter Operations
Amol Facility Details
The temporary shelter in Amol represents a proactive measure by the Thai Embassy to provide safe accommodation for nationals choosing to relocate from higher-risk areas in Tehran.
Shelter Features:
- Strategic location: Northern Iran, away from potential targets
- Safety assessment: Far from military installations and nuclear facilities
- Adequate capacity: Currently housing 35 of 200 available spaces
- Embassy support: Direct coordination with Thai diplomatic mission
