12-10-2023 (BANGKOK) The first batch of Thai evacuees, fleeing the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, arrived in Bangkok on Thursday (Oct 12). Their emotional reunion with tearful family members marked the end of harrowing ordeals for many.
Families, gripped by anxiety, had gathered at the airport hours in advance, eagerly awaiting the arrival of a flight that brought back 41 Thais. Among them were 15 evacuees, and the entire operation had been conducted with the crucial assistance of Thai diplomats.
Bangkok’s labour ministry estimates that approximately 30,000 Thais are employed in Israel, primarily in the agriculture sector. Two of the returning workers, visibly exhausted after their long journey home, were in wheelchairs, bearing witness to the trials they had endured.
One evacuee, Katchakorn Pudtason, recounted his traumatic experience to reporters at the airport, saying, “I thought to myself I wouldn’t survive. They shot continuously like in a film.” He went on to describe the intensity of the fighting, explaining that his employer had allowed them to take shelter in his home. “He told me the situation was easing, and when I tried to escape, I heard gunshots behind me, and I realized that I was shot in the knee.”
The conflict between Hamas fighters and Israel had escalated to a critical point, with Hamas militants crossing the Israeli border by land, air, and sea. Tragically, this resulted in the loss of over 1,200 lives, predominantly civilians. Furthermore, dozens of Israeli, dual-national, and foreign hostages had been taken by Hamas, raising international concern.
Israel, in response, had declared a war with the intent of dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities, leading to relentless bombardments of the Gaza Strip. These attacks had left more than 1,200 Palestinians dead, with entire city blocks reduced to rubble and thousands of buildings destroyed.
The toll on Thai citizens had become increasingly severe, with 21 casualties reported by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Thursday. Additionally, there were growing concerns about the well-being of 16 Thais who had been taken hostage by Hamas, as confirmed by the foreign ministry.
Kittipong Chaikow from northeastern Nong Bua Lam Phu shared his relief upon his return to Thailand, saying, “I have lost 10 of my colleagues.”
Families were reunited with their loved ones at the airport, their expressions of joy and relief evident. A father embraced his daughter, saying, “Dad is here,” while comforting her. Another evacuee, with tears in her eyes, expressed her gratitude, “My son is everything to me. I was worried. He is the only son I have. I cried every day knowing that he lived in the red zone.”
Many of those repatriated were migrant farm workers from Thailand’s economically disadvantaged northeastern region who had sought employment in Israel, attracted by significantly higher wages.
Among the returnees was Somma Sae-ja, who had moved to Israel two years ago to work in agriculture. His wife and mother were anxiously awaiting his safe return home, as he had been shot in the leg. “I couldn’t sleep last night; I was so excited and worried,” said his wife Nantawan Sae-lee. “We don’t have much money, so he went to Israel. He is a really good man.”
The process of repatriating over 5,000 Thais continues, with diplomats exploring sea and overland evacuation options. Additional Thai repatriation flights are scheduled to leave Israel on Sunday and Wednesday in the coming week.
One evacuee, Sawiang Paelin, 69, from Nong Khai, expressed her gratitude for her son’s safe return despite the financial struggles that had driven him to seek work abroad. She aptly summarized the sentiment, saying, “No amount of money is more important than a person’s life.”
