Death toll of Thai workers in Israel rises to 39
The death toll of Thai nationals working in Israel has tragically risen to 39, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The Thai embassy in Tel Aviv reported this information yesterday, following the identification of an additional five Thai citizens among the victims by Israeli authorities.
As of now, in addition to the reported deaths, 19 Thais have been injured and 25 taken hostage. Among those injured, four are still receiving treatment in hospitals. Pannabha Chandraramya, Thailand’s ambassador to Israel, and Sakdinart Sonthisakdiyothin from the Social Security Office visited three of the injured at the Tel Hashomer Sheba and Shamir Medical Center/Assaf Harofe on Friday. The MFA reported that these individuals are recuperating well, and plans are underway to visit the remaining injured workers.
Labour Permanent Secretary Pairote Chotikasathien revealed that over 6,000 Thai workers have lodged applications for compensation from a fund dedicated to overseas workers. Approximately half of these applications have been processed, with the remaining expected to receive their compensation of 15,000 baht each within the coming week. He noted that some payments have been delayed due to issues with paperwork, reported Bangkok Post.
Additionally, those workers returning home are set to receive an extra compensation of 50,000 baht each, a move that has been approved in principle by the prime minister. This compensation will also extend to the bereaved families and those workers who returned with re-entry permits prior to the outbreak of violence. Approval for this financial assistance is anticipated during the Cabinet meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
Regarding travel expense refunds, Pairote explained that provincial labour offices are currently gathering the necessary documents from the workers. So far, about 2,400 requests have been lodged, including 1,100 for airfare and the rest for airport transfers within Israel.
Before the cross-border raids by Palestinian group Hamas on October 7, approximately 30,000 Thai workers resided in Israel. Since then, roughly 8,000 have been repatriated, while over 20,000 have opted to stay despite the escalating conflict.
Efforts for the release of the hostages continue, with Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara expressing optimism last week, saying that the Thai hostages are expected to be among the first of roughly 250 hostages to be freed, as they are currently held in relatively safe areas.
