15-10-2023 (TEL AVIV) Four additional Thai citizens have tragically lost their lives during the recent Hamas attacks, elevating the Thai death toll to 28. Sixteen more Thais have sustained injuries, and a further 17 are currently being held in abduction.
Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn revealed on Sunday that information from the labour affairs councillor at the Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv has confirmed the elevated death toll. This new count comprises 28 fatalities, 17 abductees, and 16 individuals who have been wounded.
According to reports, a total of 7,540 Thai nationals have completed forms at the embassy, with 7,446 expressing their intention to return to Thailand, while 94 wish to remain in Israel.
Mr. Pipat led a delegation of senior ministry officials to meet with the third group of 90 Thai workers who have returned from Israel. These 88 men and 2 women arrived in Thailand on a commercial flight, touching down at U-tapao International Airport in Rayong province. From there, they boarded chartered buses bound for the SC Park Hotel in Wang Thong Lang district, where they received a warm welcome from their waiting relatives.
Mr. Pipat also revealed that another group of 137 Thais is expected to return to Thailand at approximately 5-6am the following day, using an Air Force aircraft that will land at Don Mueang Airport.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has voiced his concern about securing additional aircraft for the repatriation plan, in addition to the government-coordinated flights with various airlines, according to Mr. Pipat. Noke Air and Thai AirAsia have both agreed to assist in organizing two repatriation flights each, while Thai Airways International and the Air Force will each arrange one repatriation flight.
However, the return of Thai workers has been a challenging process, as many lost their passports while seeking refuge in bunkers during the attacks. To address this issue, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has been preparing 8,000 reserve passports. Authorities are optimistic that in the next 3-4 days, they will be able to repatriate up to 400 Thais per day.
In support of Thai workers in Israel, the Labour Ministry has dispatched five additional officials who previously resided in the country, while the Foreign Affairs Ministry has sent an extra ten officials to offer assistance.
Mr. Pipat expressed the hope that around 7,000 registered Thais who wish to return home can be repatriated next month.
Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong expressed his sorrow over the rising Thai death toll, which has now reached 20, with almost 20 more individuals sustaining injuries during the Hamas attacks. The government remains committed to ensuring the safe return of Thai workers and assisting those who have been abducted, said Pol Col Thawee during a meeting with returning Thais at SC Park Hotel.
