12-10-2023 (BANGKOK) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand announced on Thursday morning that another Thai worker has tragically lost their life in Israel amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. This recent casualty brings the total number of Thai deaths to 21 since the assault began over the weekend.
At the time of the statement, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was preparing to depart for an official visit to Singapore. Although he did not disclose the specific cause of the worker’s death, it has been reported that the 20 other Thai individuals were killed during the Hamas assault into Israel from Gaza on September 7, or as a result of Hamas rocket fire.
In response to the escalating situation, Thai authorities are actively exploring options to evacuate Thai workers from the conflict area. While evacuation by boat was initially considered the best course of action, it is currently deemed unsafe due to the risks associated with passing through the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin suggested that an alternative option could involve land evacuation through Jordan.
To ensure the swift and secure evacuation of Thai citizens, the Thai government is dispatching additional personnel to Israel. The first group of 15 Thais has already left Israel and is expected to arrive in Thailand at 11 p.m. on Thursday. The government remains committed to the safety and well-being of its citizens affected by the conflict.
