Recent events have highlighted the plight of Thai workers in Israel, particularly following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Of the 31 Thais kidnapped, five have been released while many others have returned home. Thai laborers are predominantly involved in agriculture, taking advantage of higher wages despite facing criticisms over working conditions. Israel’s efforts to replenish its workforce are ongoing as the demand for labor remains high.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, during which five Thai nationals were taken hostage. They were part of a group of 31 Thai individuals abducted by the militant organization. While 23 have since been released, two were confirmed deceased, and the fate of one remains uncertain. As reported by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a total of 46 Thais have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict, including those who died in captivity.
Historically, a significant presence of Thai workers has developed in Israel, particularly in the agricultural sector. This trend began in the late 1980s when Israel sought to supplement its workforce following the first Intifada. Currently, Thais constitute the largest group of foreign agricultural laborers in Israel, attracted by the higher wages compared to their home country. A bilateral agreement between Thailand and Israel, established a decade ago, facilitates the movement of agricultural workers.
Concerns have been raised regarding the working conditions for Thai laborers. According to a 2015 Human Rights Watch report, many workers lived in inadequate accommodation and received wages below the legal minimum. Reports indicated that laborers worked excessively long hours under unsafe conditions, with restrictions hindering their ability to switch employers.
Prior to the Hamas attack, approximately 30,000 Thai workers were employed in Israel. Following the outbreak of violence, about 7,000 returned to Thailand, mainly through government evacuation initiatives. Nonetheless, the promise of higher wages continues to lure new workers, and the Thai ambassador to Israel recently estimated that over 38,000 Thais currently work there.
In response to the labor shortage following the exodus, Israel’s Agriculture Ministry introduced measures to attract foreign workers back to the evacuated areas. The ministry is offering work visa extensions and monthly bonuses of approximately $500. Additionally, Thailand’s Labor Ministry has granted permissions for nearly 4,000 Thai workers to engage in employment in Israel for 2024, maintaining Israel’s status as one of the top destinations for Thai laborers abroad. This situation highlights the economic opportunities driving these workers, primarily from poorer regions in northeastern Thailand, to seek better prospects abroad.
In summary, the recent conflict in Israel has illuminated the precarious circumstances faced by Thai workers in the region. While many have returned home following the violence, the ongoing demand for labor continues to attract new arrivals. The Thai government’s initiatives to facilitate overseas employment bear testimony to the economic disparities propelling these laborers to seek work in Israel, despite the reported challenges they face in working conditions.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
