Amid escalating tensions involving Iran and a US-Israel coalition, many Thai workers in the Middle East are opting to stay despite safety concerns. With incidents of air strikes, Thai residents, particularly in Israel and the UAE, have been sharing updates on social media, highlighting their situations while taking shelter in bunkers. These workers face a dilemma as they weigh returning to Thailand against financial obligations.
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The conflict has led the Thai government to advise its nationals to avoid risky areas, such as Tel Aviv and Haifa. Meanwhile, Thai workers shared experiences of either temporarily halting work or continuing as normal, depending on employer guidance. Notably, some witnesses, such as photographer Ton, documented people sheltering in bunkers during aerial attacks.
Workers like Ubon Namsaen expressed a desire to return home, urging the Thai government to prepare evacuation plans. However, the financial strain, primarily due to incurred debts, forces many to stay. Thai engineer Chalermchai Rinnasarn reported that his colleagues resumed work after a brief halt due to numerous air raid warnings in Rehvot, Israel.
According to the Labour Ministry's secretary-general Wannapong Kotcharak, 90% of Thai workers in the region have confirmed their safety. There are approximately 70,000 to 80,000 legal Thai workers in the Middle East, with 58,000 in Israel and 12,000 in the UAE. The situation has led the Thai government to suspend plans to deploy more workers to affected countries.
As the conflict unfolds, the focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of Thai workers who remain abroad. The Thai government may have to make strategic decisions concerning evacuation and continued cooperation with local authorities, reported The Thaiger.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 03 Mar 2026
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