Five Thai nationals were released from Hamas captivity following the October 7 attack on Israel. Approximately 31 Thais were taken by Hamas, with 23 released and two confirmed dead. About 38,000 Thais work in Israel, driven by better wages, despite longstanding criticisms regarding their working conditions. Thailand approved nearly 4,000 new workers for 2024 as Israel seeks to address labor shortages.
Five Thai citizens held hostage by Hamas since the group’s assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, were released on Thursday. Out of 31 Thais initially taken captive, 23 have been released, two have been confirmed deceased, and the status of one remains unknown. As reported by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the total death toll of Thais in the ongoing conflict is 46, including the two fatalities in captivity.
The presence of Thai workers in Israel stems from a shift in labor dynamics following the first Intifada, when Israel began recruiting migrant labor to fill agricultural roles. Thais now comprise the majority of foreign agricultural laborers in Israel, as they receive higher wages than those available in their home country. To facilitate this employment, Thailand and Israel entered into a bilateral agreement over a decade ago.
Despite the advantages of employment in Israel, conditions for Thai workers have drawn criticism. Human Rights Watch reported in 2015 that these individuals often lived in inadequate housing and earned less than the legal minimum wage. Furthermore, reports indicated persistent issues with long work hours, unsafe working conditions, and limited options to change employers.
Before the October 7 attack, an estimated 30,000 Thai workers were employed in Israel. Following the unrest, approximately 7,000 Thais returned to Thailand via government evacuation flights. However, the allure of higher wages continued to draw new workers, resulting in a current count of over 38,000 Thai individuals in Israel, as stated by Thai Ambassador to Israel Pannabha Chandraramya.
In response to a labor deficiency caused by the exodus, Israel’s Agriculture Ministry implemented incentives to attract foreign workers back to the affected areas. These measures include extending work visa durations and offering monthly bonuses of around $500. The Thai Labor Ministry has authorized nearly 4,000 workers to return in 2024, maintaining Israel as one of the top destinations for Thai migrants seeking employment abroad.
Thai migrant workers typically originate from economically disadvantaged regions, particularly the northeast of Thailand. Even without bonuses, the compensation in Israel is significantly higher than local employment opportunities, which continues to attract individuals from these areas.
In summary, the hostage situation involving Thai nationals underscores the risks faced by migrant workers in conflict zones. Despite challenging conditions, many Thais are drawn to Israel for higher wages, evidenced by their sizable presence there. Current efforts by the Israeli government to replenish its workforce amidst labor shortages indicate a continued reliance on Thai labor, which plays a critical role in Israel’s agricultural sector.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
