Five Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas since an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, were released recently; 23 of 31 abducted Thais have been freed. The majority of Thai workers in Israel are employed in agriculture, attracted by higher wages compared to their home country. The situation reflects broader issues of labor rights and immigration policy within a conflict environment.
BANGKOK (AP) — Five Thai nationals, who were held hostage by Hamas since the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, were released on Thursday. They were part of a group of 31 Thais abducted, of whom 23 have since been freed. Two Thais have been confirmed deceased, while the status of one individual remains unknown. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand, 46 Thais have died in the ongoing conflict, including the two fatalities during captivity.
The situation arose from Israel’s heavy reliance on foreign labor, particularly from Thailand, following the first Intifada between 1987 and 1993. Large numbers of Thai workers were brought in to fill labor shortages in agriculture, where they still represent the predominant group of foreign laborers today, earning considerably higher wages than available in Thailand. The bilateral agreement between Thailand and Israel, established a decade ago, facilitated the transfer of workers into the agricultural sector in Israel. However, reports from Human Rights Watch have expressed concerns regarding the working conditions of Thai laborers, stating that they often live in inadequate housing and receive wages far below the minimum legal standards. In a report from 2015, it was noted that these workers frequently endure excessively long hours and unsafe working conditions with restricted rights, including limitations on changing employers. Approximately 30,000 Thai workers were estimated to be employed in Israel before the recent attacks. Following the Hamas assault, around 7,000 workers returned to Thailand, primarily through government evacuations, although the high wages in Israel continue to lure new workers. As of now, the number of Thai workers in Israel has risen to over 38,000, according to Ambassador Pannabha Chandraramya. In response to the labor shortage caused by the crisis, the Israeli Agriculture Ministry introduced incentives, including extended work visas and bonuses of approximately $500 monthly, to attract back foreign workers. In 2024, Thailand’s Labor Ministry has authorized nearly 4,000 Thai workers to seek employment in Israel, further solidifying its position as a leading destination for Thai migrants seeking better job opportunities abroad. Many of these workers hail from economically disadvantaged areas in northeastern Thailand, where wages in Israel significantly surpass local earnings.
In conclusion, the situation of Thai workers in Israel highlights the intricate dynamics surrounding foreign labor and conflict. Despite the challenges faced, including the recent hostage crisis involving Hamas, many Thai nationals continue to seek employment in Israel due to better wage opportunities. These workers are vital to the agricultural sector in Israel, and the ongoing efforts by both nations represent a complex response to labor shortages and humanitarian issues amidst conflict.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
