Thai government sanctions 750 million baht for workers affected by Israel-Hamas conflict

The Thai government sanctioned a 750 million baht fund to compensate Thai workers impacted by the Israel-Hamas conflict. This decision was announced by government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke yesterday.

Giving the go-ahead to utilise the emergency central budget of the current fiscal year, the Cabinet has approved this proposal from the Labour Ministry. This move is designed to aid Thai workers who’ve suffered due to the conflict that began on October 7. Many of these workers, stationed in Israel, have been unable to receive their salaries or resume work until the situation stabilises.

Acting on this, the cabinet instructed the Labour Ministry on October 27 to collaborate with related agencies, to establish the criteria for providing compensation to Thai nationals returning home. The aim is to ensure this aid reaches them in a timely and appropriate manner, reported Bangkok Post.

The allocated 750 million baht (US$21,023,422) will be distributed amongst 15,000 workers from four target groups. This includes a direct 50,000 baht compensation for each worker. The budget is further categorised as follows: 473.75 million baht is allotted for 9,475 workers who returned from Israel since October 7; 1.95 million baht will go to the families of 39 workers who unfortunately lost their lives during the conflict in Israel; 48 million baht is reserved for 960 workers who returned to Thailand before October 7 but cannot go back due to the ongoing war; and 226.30 million baht is for 4,526 workers including former hostages who plan to return to Thailand to work.

In another development, Buppha Ruangsud, the Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, informed that 864 Thai workers from Israel have requested occupational training. Out of these, 101 have completed the training.

Skill development offices across the nation have initiated occupational training for these workers. The first three Thai workers who completed a tow truck driving course have already been employed by the Erawan Sugar Company, Ruangsud added.