Thai worker killed in Israel: A heartbreaking tale of loss and sacrifice
Amid profound grief, a Thai father recalls his son, Kiartisak Patee, who had been working in Israel and was tragically killed in a Hamas attack. On October 7, his parents and relatives were unable to contact him and had been praying for his safety, hoping he would return home to Thailand.
The family’s worst fears were confirmed when they were informed about unidentified bodies and Kiartisak’s father, Kumsi, underwent a DNA test, which shockingly affirmed the demise of his son.
Kiartisak’s body is scheduled to return to Thailand at Suvarnabhumi Airport today. His family is preparing for his arrival and the subsequent funeral rites at their home in Udon Thani Province, expected to take place around 10pm.
The heartbroken father narrated how the house they were living in had been built from the money Kiartisak had sent back from his work in Israel. The house, worth approximately 1 million baht, was expected to be his son’s residence upon the completion of his contract in April 2024. However, Kiartisak never got to live in the home he helped build, reported KhaoSod.
“Although we wanted to hold on to our son’s body for a while, we have important temple commitments.”
As a result, religious ceremonies will only be conducted for two nights, today and tomorrow. Afterwards, on November 11, Kiartisak’s body will be taken for the final rites at Samakkhi Santitham Forest Temple. Kumsi expressed gratitude to all the agencies that aided in bringing his son’s body back to his birthplace, bringing peace to Kiartisak’s wandering spirit.
In related news, despite escalating conflict in Israel, over 20,000 Thai workers have opted to remain, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry continues to commit itself to facilitating the return of those wishing to leave. Before the occurrence of the cross-border raids by Hamas forces on October 7, approximately 30,000 Thai citizens were working in Israel. To read more click HERE
