Thai PM accuses Israeli employers of exploiting Thai workers amidst crisis

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called on Israeli employers to stop exploiting their Thai workers during this perilous period. He alleges that salary payments are being deliberately postponed as a means to retain Thai workers in Israel amidst growing safety concerns.

In a press interaction preceding the weekly Cabinet meeting, the 61 year old prime minister revealed he had contacted the Israeli ambassador, Orna Sagiv, on Monday to discuss the issue. PM Srettha expressed his concerns about Israel reportedly offering increased wages or postponing salary payments until November 10 as a tactic to retain Thai workers.

“This is unacceptable when Thai lives are at stake.”

He added that Sagiv initially responded she was unaware of such allegations and promised to investigate the matter.

PM Srettha acknowledged that some Thais had chosen to stay in Israel due to the financial significance of their jobs. However, he emphasized that he wanted all Thai workers to return home for their safety. He assured that the government would secure them employment opportunities in Thailand with reasonable wages.

The prime minister also highlighted the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the fate of 19 Thais, who were reportedly abducted by Hamas during the attack on October 7.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, confirmed that the 19 Thais were among over 200 individuals abducted. Bahiddha-Nukara mentioned the difficulty in identifying the bodies of the deceased Thais due to decomposition, necessitating DNA cross-checks for confirmation.

In a statement released yesterday, the Israeli embassy denied allegations of deliberately delayed salary payments. They suggested that these complaints might stem from workers wishing to receive their payments earlier than the usual date, which is the 10th of each month. The embassy confirmed that additional funds were being offered as an incentive to encourage Thai workers to stay, reported Bangkok Post.

The embassy statement highlighted that around 30,000 Thais were employed in Israel, playing a crucial role in the agricultural sector and the food supply chain. It also pointed out that Israel had extended visas and approved special allowances for Thai workers who chose to continue their jobs near the Gaza Strip until the end of the year.

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