Thailand protests after rocket attack kills four Thai workers in Israel

The recent tragedy in Israel has prompted the Thai government to take swift action, sending a formal protest to Israel following a rocket attack that resulted in the death of four Thai workers and left another injured.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasised the importance of halting the deployment of Thai workers to high-risk areas, cautioning citizens against non-essential travel to Israel and the Middle East.

Reports of the deadly attack, attributed to a Hezbollah-fired rocket from Lebanon, reached Thai officials, leading to the protest letter’s submission. The attack occurred near Metula, Israel, and the Foreign Affairs Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, confirmed the submission occurred yesterday, November 2.

Thailand’s position as a United Nations Human Rights Council member has reinforced its call for peace, urging all involved parties to resolve conflicts amicably. The ministry has further coordinated with the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv to limit the number of Thai workers entering Israel for employment to protect its citizens from further harm.

Despite ongoing tensions, some Israeli employers have reportedly continued to hire Thai workers for short-term contracts in dangerous zones, sometimes for mere hours. This has raised concerns within the Thai government, leading to protests and strong recommendations against working in such areas.

“It’s fully understandable that some of us have gone overseas to work for a better life,” stated Maris. “But the current situation in parts of the Middle East is highly unusual, with a significant level of violence in the ongoing conflict.”

The victims of the attack have been identified as Akkapon Wannasai from Udon Thani, Prayat Pilasram from Buriram, and Kaweesak Papanang and Thana Tichantuek from Nakhon Ratchasima. Thana, a 31 year old man from Sikhiu district, had been working as a fruit picker near the border for almost a year before his untimely death.

Thai workers

The loss of Thana has left his father, Charnchai Tichantuek, in deep mourning. His mother, Jarung Tichantuek, revealed that Thana had intended to return to Thailand soon, despite her previous pleas for him not to work in Israel. In his determination, he had said, “We could die anywhere.”

Meanwhile, Kaweesak’s family home in Lam Thamenchai district has been enveloped in grief. His wife, 40 year old Sumali Pimsri, is awaiting the return of his body, expected within a week, following confirmation of his death from the Thai embassy in Israel.

In Buriram, Prayat’s family is seeking urgent assistance from the government regarding his repatriation and compensation claims. Sulaporn Rungruang, Prayat’s sister, highlighted the financial strain on the family, as 42 year old Prayat was their primary provider. He had returned to complete his contract after a brief visit to Thailand, reported Bangkok Post.

Amnat Khemphet, from the Buriram Labour Office, assured that officials would work closely with Israeli officials to expedite compensation processes for Prayat’s family and secure additional benefits.