Thai workers are beginning to return to Israel, with the first 94 leaving from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday, June 25. Despite the ongoing turmoil the workers have deemed it safe enough for them to return to their lucrative contract work in Israel.
The workers and their families have admitted to feeling somewhat anxious, given the raging conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, Wittawat Suntornpinit, from the northeastern province of Khon Kaen, says that despite the concerns, he wants to provide for his family.
“I decided to go to earn money for them.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by other workers, such as Wittawat Sae Lee, from Chiang Rai, who says he’s going because he too wants to provide a better life for his wife and children.
“I have to admit that my wife and I fear for my safety there, but this is a good opportunity for me to earn income for the family.”
It’s understood the workers will be paid between 50,000 and 55,000 baht per month, excluding overtime. They have also been trained to prepare for emergencies.
Following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, Thailand suspended sending Thai labourers to Israel. At least 41 Thai nationals were killed in the attack, with a further 7,000 evacuated.
According to a Thai PBS World report, the Labour Ministry plans to send a total of 10,000 Thai workers to Israel, where they will work in the country’s agricultural sector, filling a quota granted by Israeli authorities.
The workers’ families were at Suvarnabhumi yesterday to see them off, quietly hugging them prior to their departure. Under the agreement, they will have to spend 63 months working in Israel before they can return to Thailand.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
