21-12-2023 (BANGKOK) Tom Prongjit, a 33-year-old man from Buri Ram, has made the decision to return to work on a farm in Israel, despite the ongoing conflict in the region. His primary motivation is to earn more income for his family, as he realized that he would not be able to pay off his debts or secure a future for his loved ones if he remained in Thailand. Tom had initially returned to Thailand as part of the government’s repatriation campaign, which aimed to bring back thousands of Thai workers from Israel. However, upon arriving in his hometown of tambon Nong Tat, Muang district, he quickly realized that he needed to take further action.
Tom’s mother, Boonsri Prongjit, aged 62, explained the circumstances that led her son to make this difficult decision. She revealed that Tom had no choice but to go back to Israel in order to settle his debts, which amounted to approximately 700,000 baht. These debts were a result of a loan he had taken from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. Additionally, Tom felt the responsibility of providing for his family and two children, which further compelled him to return to work in Israel. Despite the risks involved, he decided to embark on the journey, aiming to complete his five-year-and-three-month contract.
“He worked in Israel for one year and two months before he decided to return home due to safety concerns. Now that he has gone back, I can only hope for his safe return once again,” expressed Ms. Boonsri, highlighting the worries that accompany her son’s decision. She shared that Tom regularly updates her about his life and working conditions on the farmland in the Master-Q community, which is approximately 20 kilometers away from the conflict zone between Gaza militants and Israel. Importantly, all of Tom’s travel expenses from Thailand to Israel were covered by his employer.
Ms. Boonsri added, “If it were up to me, I would not have allowed my son to return to work in Israel. However, he insisted on doing so because the salary rates there are quite high and would enable him to pay off all his debts and support our family.”
Meanwhile, another family in Buri Ram is anxiously awaiting the release of their loved one. Wilas Tanna, a farmer and recycler from tambon Ban Khu in Na Pho district, hopes for the safe return of his 35-year-old son, Pongsak Tanna, who has been held captive by the militant group Hamas since October 7. Mr. Wilas expressed relief upon being informed by Thai authorities that his son is still safe. He also drew solace from recent news reports indicating that Hamas has started releasing hostages, including Santi Boonprom, a native of Buri Ram and a colleague of Pongsak.
“As we approach the New Year, my only wish is for my son to be released by Hamas. If he returns to Thailand, I do not want him to risk his life by working in Israel any longer,” Mr. Wilas passionately expressed his desires.
According to the Foreign Ministry, there are currently eight Thai citizens who remain captive under Hamas. On the other hand, the Labour Ministry has discovered that approximately 60% of Thai workers who have returned from Israel express a desire to go back.
