Five Thai Hostages Freed by Hamas Return Home to Thailand \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Five Thai nationals, held hostage since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, have returned to Thailand after their release from captivity. They were among 31 Thai hostages, with 23 previously freed, two confirmed dead, and one still unaccounted for. The conflict has taken a heavy toll on Thai workers, with 46 killed in Israel. Thailand and Israel have a longstanding labor agreement, and despite security risks, higher wages continue to attract Thai agricultural workers, with more than 38,000 currently employed in Israel.
Quick Looks
- Five Thai hostages released from Hamas captivity returned to Thailand on Sunday.
- They were among 31 Thai workers taken hostage, with 23 already freed, two killed, and one still missing.
- 46 Thai nationals have died in the Israel-Hamas conflict since October 7, 2023.
- Thailand has long sent workers to Israel, mainly in agriculture, due to higher wages.
- Despite security risks, more than 38,000 Thai workers remain in Israel.
- Israel has offered incentives, including visa extensions and bonuses, to attract more foreign workers.
- Thailand’s Labor Ministry continues to approve new work permits for Thais seeking jobs in Israel.
Deep Look
Thai Workers Among the Many Affected by Hamas’ October 7 Attack
The return of five Thai nationals held captive by Hamas since its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel marks another chapter in the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting foreign workers in Israel.
These five individuals were among 31 Thai workers taken hostage when Hamas militants launched their attack, targeting Israeli communities, military sites, and agricultural areas. 23 of the hostages had already been released, but two were killed in captivity, and the fate of one remaining Thai national remains unknown.
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that 46 Thai nationals have been killed in the conflict, making them one of the largest groups of foreign casualties in the ongoing war.
Despite the violence and security risks, Thailand remains a key provider of laborers for Israel’s agricultural sector, where jobs offer significantly higher wages than similar positions in Thailand.
Why Are So Many Thai Workers in Israel?
The presence of tens of thousands of Thai workers in Israel is not new. For decades, Israel has relied on foreign labor—particularly from Thailand—to support its agricultural sector.
Historically, Palestinian workers filled these jobs, but after the First Intifada (1987-1993), Israel shifted toward migrant labor, with Thai workers becoming the largest group of foreign agricultural laborers in the country.
In 2012, Thailand and Israel formalized a bilateral agreement to streamline the employment process for Thai nationals, making it easier for them to work legally in Israel. These jobs offer far higher wages than similar positions in Thailand, making them highly attractive despite the harsh working conditions and security risks.
However, migrant workers in Israel have faced challenges. A 2015 Human Rights Watch report highlighted issues such as:
- Substandard housing conditions
- Salaries below the legal minimum wage
- Excessive working hours beyond legal limits
- Unsafe labor conditions
- Restricted ability to change employers
A more recent investigation found that many Thai laborers are still paid below the legal minimum wage, despite improvements in work visa regulations.
How Many Thai Nationals Work in Israel?
Before the October 7 attack, about 30,000 Thai workers were employed in Israel’s agricultural sector.
After the Hamas-led attack, an estimated 7,000 Thai workers returned home, primarily on government-organized evacuation flights.
Despite this mass exodus, higher wages continue to attract new Thai workers. According to Thai Ambassador to Israel Pannabha Chandraramya, there are now over 38,000 Thai workers in Israel, surpassing pre-war figures.
How Did Israel Respond to the Labor Shortage?
After the Hamas attack, Israel faced a serious labor crisis, especially in agriculture, where foreign workers make up a significant portion of the workforce.
To address the labor shortage, Israel’s Agriculture Ministry introduced several incentives to attract workers, including:
- Extending work visas for Thai laborers already in Israel
- Offering financial bonuses of approximately $500 per month to encourage workers to return to evacuated areas
Despite the risks, these incentives have encouraged many Thai nationals to stay or seek employment in Israel.
Thailand’s Labor Ministry Continues Sending Workers to Israel
Thailand’s Labor Ministry has granted 3,966 work permits for Thai nationals to work in Israel in 2024, ensuring that the country remains one of the top destinations for Thai workers abroad.
Many of these laborers come from Thailand’s poorer regions, especially the northeast, where job opportunities are limited, and wages are significantly lower.
For these workers, the financial benefits outweigh the security risks, even as violence in Israel continues.
What’s Next for Thai Workers in Israel?
- More Thai hostages could still be located as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues.
- Thai laborers will remain a key part of Israel’s agricultural workforce, despite ongoing security concerns.
- Thailand’s government will continue monitoring conditions and may adjust labor policies if safety risks increase.
- Human rights organizations are likely to push for better wages and improved working conditions for Thai laborers in Israel.
While the return of freed hostages is a moment of relief, the reality remains that Thai workers continue to face significant challenges in a conflict-ridden region. Their economic dependence on Israel’s labor market ensures that thousands will continue working there, despite the ongoing risks.
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