BANGKOK — Five Thai individuals who had been taken hostage by Hamas during their assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, were freed on Thursday. They are part of a larger group of 31 Thais captured by the militant organization, with 23 already having been released. Unfortunately, two Thais have been confirmed deceased, and the whereabouts of one individual remain uncertain.
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated that the ongoing conflict has led to the death of 46 Thai nationals, which includes the two who lost their lives while in captivity. These individuals represent a fraction of the tens of thousands of Thai workers residing in Israel, many of whom migrated for better job opportunities.
The significant presence of Thais in Israel can be traced back to Israel’s shift in labor sources following the first Intifada from 1987 to 1993. Initially dependent on Palestinian labor, Israel began to invite migrant workers, predominantly from Thailand. Today, they constitute the largest foreign workforce in the agricultural sector, often earning wages significantly higher than what is available in their home country. A decade ago, a bilateral agreement between Thailand and Israel was established to facilitate the movement of workers into the agricultural field.
Despite this, there have been numerous criticisms regarding the working conditions for Thai laborers in Israel. A report by Human Rights Watch in 2015 highlighted several issues, including inadequate housing, wages that fell below the legal minimum, excessively long working hours, and unsafe working environments. Recent findings from watchdog organizations have indicated that many laborers still receive less than the legal minimum wage.
Before the Hamas attack on October 7, there were approximately 30,000 Thai workers in Israel, primarily employed in agriculture. In light of the situation following the attack, around 7,000 individuals returned to Thailand, mainly through government-led evacuation flights. Nevertheless, strong wage incentives continue to draw new workers to Israel, with the Thai ambassador in Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, reporting that the current number of Thai workers has now risen to over 38,000.
In response to the labor shortage created by the recent exodus, Israel’s Agriculture Ministry has introduced various incentives aimed at encouraging foreign workers to return to areas from which they have evacuated. Initiatives include extending work visas and offering bonuses of approximately $500 monthly for those willing to come back. In 2024, Thailand’s Labor Ministry has approved work permits for 3,966 Thai nationals, ensuring that Israel remains one of the top four destinations for Thai workers abroad last year. Given the economic conditions in their home regions, particularly the poorer northeastern areas, many Thai nationals see these jobs as advantageous, providing pay that far exceeds local opportunities.
