In a significant development, five Thai workers returned to Bangkok on Sunday, February 9, 2024, after being held captive by Hamas militants for months. Their release marks the latest chapter in the ongoing efforts by the Thai government to secure the freedom of its nationals abducted during the October 7, 2023 assault on southern Israel. During this attack, Hamas militants kidnapped 31 Thai nationals, who represented the largest group of foreigners held captive by the militant group. This incident underscored the vulnerability of Thai workers in Israel, who constitute a significant portion of the foreign agricultural labor force in the country.
A decade ago, Thailand and Israel forged a bilateral agreement to facilitate the employment of Thai agricultural workers. Despite these ties, the conflict claimed the lives of 46 Thais, including two who were killed during the initial attack and whose bodies were taken into Gaza. The majority of the Thai nationals were released in a deal brokered by Thailand with the aid of Qatar and Iran in November 2023. However, it was not until January 30, 2024, that Sarusak Rumnao, Watchara Sriaoun, Sathian Suwannakham, Pongsak Thaenna, and Bannawat Saethao gained their freedom through a separate agreement negotiated by the Thai government.
After their release, the five Thai workers underwent medical assessments at a hospital outside Tel Aviv before their journey back home. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa promptly traveled to Israel to meet with them. Their eventual return to Thailand was sponsored by the Israeli government as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to reinforce bilateral relations and ensure the welfare of Thai workers in Israel.
One of the released workers, Pongsak Thaenna, expressed gratitude for the support received during their ordeal.
"We would not be here today if it wasn’t for the help of every one of you," said Pongsak Thaenna.
The plight of these workers highlights broader issues concerning labor conditions for foreign nationals in Israel. Before the Hamas attack, foreign and Palestinian laborers constituted approximately half of Israel's workforce. Many Palestinian workers have since returned home, leaving foreign nationals like the Thais vulnerable amid escalating tensions.
Minister Sangiampongsa emphasized the importance of improving conditions for Thai workers in Israel during his visit.
"We will work together even more to enhance the conditions of our workers in Israel. I want to see our workers develop their potential to become entrepreneurs, not just remain as labourers," stated Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.
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