Israel to open 13,000 agriculture jobs for Thai workers
Some 13,000 jobs in the agriculture sector are set to be made available for Thai workers, as announced by Israeli Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Avi Dichter.
In recent discussions held in Jerusalem, senior Thai officials, including Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Department of Employment Director General Somchai Morakotsriwan, met with Dichter. The Thai delegation visited Beit Hilkia Moshav on Tuesday where Dichter extended a warm welcome.
During their visit, they toured the Leafresh farm, which focuses on vegetable cultivation through hydroponics. Here, they met 15 Thai workers who have been trained in smart farming technology, using computerised systems to manage water quality sensors, temperatures, and plant fertilisation.
After exploring the farm, the delegation engaged in a dialogue with Dichter. He informed them about Israel’s decision to raise the quota of Thai agricultural workers by 13,000 this year. Phiphat expressed readiness from his ministry to provide additional workers to support Israel’s agricultural sector.
Phiphat requested that Israel share information about its labour needs in agriculture and livestock to ensure Thai workers are placed in roles matching their skills, allowing them to earn higher wages.
This strategy aims to prevent workers from absconding and becoming undocumented workers. Israel agreed to this approach, with support promised by the Population and Immigration Authority.
The delegation also visited an agrivoltaics farm, blending solar energy with advanced agricultural practices. The farm employs 74 workers, including Thai nationals, who earn about 60,000 baht, sending 30,000 to 40,000 baht home monthly, reported Bangkok Post.
Phiphat urged the Israeli government to prioritise the welfare of six remaining Thai citizens held captive by Hamas. He also requested adequate compensation for the family of Nisan Meerum, a Thai worker who was killed during a missile attack in the town of Metula in the Northern district of Israel on October 11 last year.
In related news, Israeli food technology has the potential to significantly enhance Thailand’s agriculture sector, according to Israeli Ambassador Orna Sagiv.
Latest Thailand News
