On Sunday, five Thai nationals who had been held hostage by Hamas since October 7, 2023, returned to Thailand. Their release was part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. These individuals were among 31 Thai citizens captured during the conflict; to date, 23 have been released, two have died, and one remains unaccounted for.
Profiles of the Released Hostages:
- Watchara Sriaoun, 33: Abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he worked alongside 16 other Thai laborers. During the attack, 11 of his colleagues were killed.
- Sathian Suwannakham, 35: Also taken from Nir Oz while employed on a chicken farm.
- Surasak Rumnao, 32: Captured in the town of Yesha after 15 months of agricultural work in Israel.
- Pongsak Thaenna, 36: Working in Israel since 2016, he was seized from Yesha.
- Bannawat Saethao, 27: Taken from Yesha shortly after the birth of his youngest child.
Upon their arrival at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, the freed hostages were welcomed by their families, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sagniampongsa, and Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Orna Sagiv. Minister Maris expressed gratitude for their safe return and emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining Thai captive, Nattapong Pingsa.
The Thai Workforce in Israel:
Israel’s agricultural sector relies heavily on foreign labor, with Thai nationals comprising a significant portion. As of October 2023, approximately 30,000 Thai workers were employed in Israel, primarily in farming roles. Following the Hamas attack, about 7,000 returned to Thailand via government evacuation flights. Despite the conflict, the number of Thai workers in Israel has risen, with recent figures exceeding 38,000.
Historical Context:
In the past, Israel depended on Palestinian labor for its agricultural needs. However, after the First Intifada (1987-1993), the country began sourcing workers from abroad, with Thailand becoming a primary contributor. A bilateral agreement between Israel and Thailand facilitated the recruitment of Thai laborers for Israel’s agriculture sector.
Challenges Faced by Thai Workers:
Despite the opportunities, Thai workers in Israel have reported challenges, including:
- Substandard Living Conditions: Many reside in makeshift accommodations lacking adequate facilities.
- Wage Discrepancies: Reports indicate that some workers receive salaries below the legal minimum wage.
- Extended Working Hours: Laborers often work beyond the legal maximum hours.
- Safety Concerns: Unsafe working conditions have been highlighted in various reports.
These issues have drawn criticism from human rights organizations, urging improvements in the treatment and conditions of Thai workers in Israel.
Conclusion:
The recent release of Thai hostages underscores the complex relationship between Thailand and Israel, rooted in labor migration and mutual economic interests. While Israel offers employment opportunities that surpass earnings in Thailand, it’s imperative to address the challenges faced by Thai workers to ensure their safety and well-being.
