In a tragic turn of events, 41 Thai nationals lost their lives during a cross-border incursion, marking one of the deadliest days for Thais abroad in recent history. This incident has prompted Thai officials to issue a stern warning to Israeli employers about placing workers in danger zones. In response to the escalating tensions, the Thai government evacuated approximately 9,000 of its citizens from Israel. Despite these challenges, the number of Thai workers in Israel has surged from an estimated 30,000 before the conflict to over 35,000 today. These workers form the backbone of Israel's agriculture labor force, a role they have steadfastly held for over three decades.
The recent release of Pongsak, a Thai hostage held captive for 15 months in Gaza, has brought a glimmer of hope to many families. His release was part of a phased agreement that put an end to a prolonged 15-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, which devastated Gaza. This agreement saw the release of 17 Thai hostages in late November 2023. Thailand stood out as the only nation directly engaging with Hamas representatives in Iran via a delegation led by Thailand’s House Speaker.
The impact of the conflict extended beyond the borders of Israel and Gaza, as five Thai farmhands were killed in mortar strikes near the Israel-Lebanon border in November and October last year. Despite these dangers, many Thai workers continue to seek employment in Israel, where they can earn up to US$1,800 a month—a salary unattainable in rural Thailand's agricultural sector.
The emotional journey of Pongsak and his family highlights the personal toll of such conflicts. His father, Wilas, was overwhelmed with joy when he received the call from the Thai Embassy announcing his son's impending release. Reflecting on his emotions during Pongsak’s captivity, Wilas admitted:
"My hopes were 50-50 (that Pongsak would return home)."
The joy of Pongsak's return was tempered by the immense difficulties faced by other hostages. Manee Jirachat, another Thai hostage released in November 2023, expressed his struggle to cope with the ordeal:
"I don’t think I can."
The Thai government has actively worked with intermediary countries such as Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye to negotiate the release of their citizens. Furthermore, both Thailand and Israel are compensating the families of those hostages and workers who were killed or injured during these tumultuous events.
The release was particularly significant as it marked the end of a prolonged period of uncertainty and fear for many families. Wilas recalled his reaction upon hearing that more bombs were coming:
"Hide, hide, hide from the bomb first. There are more coming. We must hide first."
In addition to securing the safety and welfare of existing workers, the Thai Labor Minister met with the Israeli Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. They announced that Israel would accept an additional 13,000 Thais to contribute to the agriculture sector. This decision underscores the continued reliance on Thai labor despite ongoing security concerns.
The historical context of Thai migrant workers in Israel is deeply rooted. Over the past 30 years, they have become an indispensable part of Israel's agricultural industry. However, recent events have cast a spotlight on their precarious position amid increasing geopolitical tensions.
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