Thai workers question Israel’s safety following fatal Hamas attack

[webfact]

 

The recent attack by Hamas in Israel, which caused the deaths of 24 Thai labourers, is leading to doubts about the suitability of Israel as a destination for workers seeking higher wages abroad.

 

For over two decades, Israel has been a popular choice for Thai workers, particularly those in the agricultural sector.

 

Currently, around 30,000 Thai workers are based in Israel with 5,000 of them working near the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip. These workers are no strangers to the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict and have occasionally been caught in the crossfire.

 

For instance, in May 2021, a Hamas rocket attack on a farm near the Gaza border led to the deaths of two workers and injured eight others.

In the latest episode of violence, Thai labourers have experienced one of the highest casualty rates, with 24 killed, 16 injured, and another 16 held hostage.

Amidst the chaos, approximately 7,000 Thai workers have registered for evacuation, with the first group arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport recently.

 

by Mitch Connor

Picture courtesy of จักรพงษ์ แสงมณี - Jakkapong Sangmanee Facebook

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-16

 

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[daveAustin]

Well certainly now, but unless you’ve had your head in the sand or never looked at the news it was always risky. I’m sure most Thais would have known the risks previously but were swayed by high wages. One couldn’t be so oblivious to think Israel a chill destination and this kind of thing never likely to happen. . 

[bbko]

So Thailand doesn't have their Secretary of State givinging warnings to Thai citizens that choose to work in a unstable area?

[BayArea]

Not to be insensitive in these difficult times, but Isreal or the Middle East would be the last place on my list if I'm looking to make money no matter how desperate the situation.  

[ChipButty]

They would have known, they just looked at the money some as much as 85,000 baht per month, 

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The recent attack by Hamas in Israel, which caused the deaths of 24 Thai labourers, is leading to doubts about the suitability of Israel as a destination for workers seeking higher wages abroad.

About as safe as using a pedestrian crossing in Thailand.