USA-Israel attack on Iran

[Gaybutton]

By now most of you are probably aware of the combined USA-Israel attack on Iran. Plenty of details in the media, so no need to publish it all here.

As of the time of this post, 3:45pm Thailand time, there has been no published reaction or response from the Thai government. If and when any news of significance to Thailand comes out, I will get it posted.

In the meantime, if you would like to post your own comments, please feel free to do so.

[Gaybutton]

[Jun]

1 The Thai government probably has the sense to say nothing for now. What have they to gain from commenting?

2 I hope they finish the job and take the reprehensible Iranian regime out. They cause no end of trouble in the region and have executed thousands of their own people.
As ever, there's no guarantee that a new regime would be any better, but it's time to try.

3. Anyone travelling via the midfle east might want to keep an eye on things.

[Gaybutton]

As ever, there's no guarantee that a new regime would be any better, but it's time to try.

3. Anyone travelling via the midfle east might want to keep an eye on things.

That is a good point - no way to know, if regime change succeeds, who would become in charge and how would it happen? That, of course, remains to be seen. The most pressing question of the moment is whether the current regime will indeed be toppled. I would imagine the Israeli and USA governments have plans in place for what happens next whether the current regime is toppled or not. If the current regime does get ousted, I don't think for a moment that the USA and Israel would say to the Iranian people, "Ok, they're out. Now you're on your own."

As far as traveling goes, much of the middle eastern airspace already has been announced as closed. Flights are being diverted around the danger areas. Those planning to travel any time very soon and have connecting flights via any of the closed airports are going to need to contact their airlines and find out what your alternatives are.

[Gaybutton]

Here is the first statement I have seen coming from the Thai government:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Foreign Ministry urges Thais in Iran and Israel to leave risk areas while commercial flights still operate, as tensions may escalate

by THE NATION

February 28, 2026

Given the current situation of tensions in the Middle East, and the trend that the conflict may intensify and widen, which may affect the welfare of Thai people residing in the said region, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that Thai people living in areas at risk from the impacts of the said tensions—especially in Iran and Israel—urgently travel out of the areas while commercial airlines are still operating (if they are still operating), or may consider travelling to stay at a shelter that can protect against missile attacks, as soon as possible.

In addition, Thai people who do not have an absolutely essential need should consider their decision to travel to the said areas carefully, because the current situation is uncertain and may change rapidly. They are therefore asked to closely follow news from reliable sources. In cases where urgent assistance is needed, they can contact the embassy or consulate-general in the area, or the Department of Consular Affairs Call Center hotline at 0-2572-8442, 24 hours a day.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/world/40063116

[Gaybutton]

‘Thai Airways’ adjusts flight routes amid Middle East tensions

by THE NATION

February 28, 2026

Thai Airways says Iran-Israel airspace closures do not affect operations, as its current routes do not fly through either country’s airspace

“Thai Airways” has adjusted flight routes to avoid the airspace over Pakistan and Afghanistan amid heightened tensions, while the closure of Israeli and Iranian airspace has not affected it.

Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Airways International Plc, told Krungthep Turakij about the situation of heightened tensions in the Middle East.

He said that, in the case of the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, for passenger safety Thai Airways has now changed its flight routes to avoid the said airspace.

As a result, flights to several European destinations take longer by around 20 minutes per flight. Overall, however, it has not significantly increased fuel costs.

As for the case where Israel and Iran announced airspace closures, Thai Airways has not been affected because it currently does not have flight routes that pass through the airspace of either country in the first place.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40063119

[Jun]

Thai Airways says Iran-Israel airspace closures do not affect operations, as its current routes do not fly through either country’s airspace

“Thai Airways” has adjusted flight routes to avoid the airspace over Pakistan and Afghanistan amid heightened tensions, while the closure of Israeli and Iranian airspace has not affected it.

Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Airways International Plc, told Krungthep Turakij about the situation of heightened tensions in the Middle East.

He said that, in the case of the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, for passenger safety Thai Airways has now changed its flight routes to avoid the said airspace.

I'm confused.
This flight tracker shows a Thai flight using Pakistan and Afghan airspace. Just like EVA. There aren't that many good route options.

https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight ... /VTBS/EGLL

[gerefan]

I have just been made aware of this event and see that Emirates Airlines has cancelled all flights that use Dubai Airport. That is virtually every flight.

I’m due to fly home to London from Bangkok with them on Thursday so have no idea what the score is at the moment.

There are dozens of flights from the affected areas to London every day so the number of passengers affected will be thousands per day.

It will also affect Thailand, as a great number of visitors here who use Middle East airlines.

Big problem is deciding whether to extend my stay, if so for how long. Whether to buy another ticket. Whether to get a friend to pick me up on arrival. Whether I can stay in the same room or have to move…even to another condo. Whether to cancel or delay appointments made in UK after arrival…

And so it goes on and on.

[Gaybutton]

It is no concern to Thailand, but Trump's statement that US soldiers may die and he expects casualties - to me that is a vague warning he is anticipating a need for "boots on the ground". I hope it won't come to that.
___________________________________________________________________

This flight tracker shows a Thai flight using Pakistan and Afghan airspace.

Maybe they simply need to update their tracker. Or perhaps the airline is not publishing the actual route they are going to take. One thing is certain - they are not going to try to fly through closed or otherwise dangerous airspace.

I’m due to fly home to London from Bangkok with them on Thursday so have no idea what the score is at the moment.

I would suggest contacting your airline, or perhaps a good travel agent, and have them tell you what your options and alternatives are before you make any other commitments. My guess is they already have alternate arrangements in place.

It would also be a good idea to contact your embassy and see what they can tell you.

Be prepared for long waits on Hold. You won't be the only one trying to get in touch with the airlines and embassies. Maybe the airlines have alternates available on their web sites that you can schedule and confirm for those affected.

Of course, if this gives you a good reason to extend your holiday in Thailand, maybe it's a blessing in disguise.

Please let us know what you find out.

[Dodger]

Big problem is deciding whether to extend my stay, if so for how long.

Solution:

Extend your stay indefinitely and enjoy life...