Thai authorities are closely monitoring developments in Syria to make sure Thais living and working in the region remain safe, according to the National Security Council (NSC).
NSC secretary-general Wanlop Raksanoh said the Foreign Ministry and various other authorities are keeping tabs on Thai nationals in Syria and others working in the region.
However, he said there is no indication tensions in the region would escalate because recent air strikes led by the US were limited to targets in the western part of the region and were unlikely to pose any threat to southeastern areas.
Gen Wanlop said the situation may affect oil prices because Syria is a major oil producer and could cause turbulence in the market. He was asked how the situation in Syria could affect the country.
Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said on Tuesday two Thai nationals living in Syria have been confirmed safe.
He said the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) is keeping a close watch on developments in Syria and has not adopted a stance on the issue.
"As analysts point out, if tensions do escalate, the world community, not just Thailand, will be affected. So everyone is concerned and wants those involved to seek to resolve it," he said.
According to Mr Don, it is also important that agencies concerned are allowed to inspect and verify chemical weapon research facilities in Syria, as the use of such weapons prompted the US-led air strikes.
Asked about speculation that Russia's stance on the Syria crisis would lead to further conflict, the minister said he believed the international community would do its best to avert an escalation.
