20-10-2023 (BANGKOK) A group of 534 Thai workers is set to return to Thailand from Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the region. The Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry, as reported by local media, has confirmed that these workers will be repatriated on two commercial flights scheduled for this Saturday. All the Thai workers who are returning have registered for repatriation through the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv.
This effort is being coordinated to ensure the safety and well-being of Thai citizens working in Israel during these challenging times. The first of the two flights is being operated by SpiceJet, an Indian budget airline. It is scheduled to depart from Tel Aviv on Friday at 8.15pm local time in Israel and will carry 320 Thai workers. The flight is expected to arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok on Saturday at 1.10pm local time in Thailand. Following closely, Arkia Israeli Airlines will operate the second flight departing from Tel Aviv at 11pm local time in Israel. This flight will carry 214 Thai workers and is anticipated to land at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Saturday at 2.05pm local time in Thailand.
In a related development, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Sydney, Australia, posted a warning on its Facebook page on Friday. This warning is directed towards Thai nationals in Sydney, urging them to exercise caution and avoid a planned rally site. The rally, organized by supporters of the State of Palestine, was announced following a gathering on October 15 at Hyde Park. Thai citizens in Sydney are advised to steer clear of the rally area, which extends from Town Hall to Belmore Park. In case of emergencies or concerns, Thai citizens in Sydney are encouraged to contact the Thai consulate’s hotline at 0411 424 303 for assistance and guidance.
On Friday morning, the remains of the first eight Thai workers who tragically lost their lives in Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7th were repatriated on a commercial flight. These individuals have been subsequently transported to their respective home provinces, marking a somber moment in this ongoing crisis.
