9-10-2023 (BANGKOK) Twelve Thai citizens have tragically lost their lives in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants, according to a statement from the Thai government. As a response to the escalating situation, the Thai government is currently formulating a plan to evacuate its citizens from the conflict zone.
The information regarding the deaths of the twelve Thai nationals was received by the Thai embassy in Israel through the victims’ employers, said Kanchana Patarachoke, the foreign ministry spokeswoman. In addition to the fatalities, eight Thais have been reported as wounded, and eleven have been taken captive since the conflict began when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Saturday.
Thailand has a significant workforce in Israel, with approximately 30,000 Thai workers, many of whom are employed in agriculture, according to the Ministry of Labour in Bangkok. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Minister of Labour, has confirmed that Israeli authorities have initiated efforts to move Thai workers out of areas at risk.
“We currently have 1,099 individuals who have registered for repatriation,” Minister Phiphat disclosed during a Thai television interview. He also mentioned that there are roughly 5,000 Thai labourers working in areas directly affected by the fighting.
The foreign ministry spokeswoman, Kanchana, noted that the Thai air force has readied aircraft for the possible evacuation of Thai citizens. However, specific details and the timing of the evacuation are still under consideration.
The conflict in Israel and Gaza has already resulted in the loss of over 1,100 lives. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning about the ongoing situation, characterizing it as a “long and challenging” battle that lies ahead.
