14-10-2023 (BANGKOK) One of the Thai workers who was reportedly captured by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7th has been tragically confirmed as deceased, as announced by the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel.
The victim has been identified as Pongsathorn Khunsri, a 25-year-old young man, one among the 21 Thais who lost their lives due to the relentless attacks by Hamas.
The devastating news was delivered to Pongsathorn’s mother, Surangkhana, residing in Moo 5 village in tambon Nong Yang, Chalerm Phrakiat district, Nakhon Ratchasima, by an embassy official. The call took place around 9 pm on Wednesday, leaving Surangkhana in a state of shock and speechlessness as she grappled with the heartbreaking reality.
Speaking during an interview on Friday, Surangkhana tearfully expressed, “I was shocked and speechless when I heard the news. I had prayed for his safety when I knew he was captured. I wished for a miracle. I wished for him to return home safely. Sadly, there is no miracle.”
Her son, affectionately known as “Green,” had been laboring on an Israeli farm for a year, with the intention of earning more money to provide a better life for his mother. He was known for regularly sending a portion of his earnings to her, reflecting his deep love and care.
Surangkhana could not contain her anguish as she lamented, “I never imagined my son would die like this in a faraway land. Many Thais have worked there, but why did it happen to be my son who was captured and killed?”
Details surrounding the circumstances of her son’s capture and demise remain limited, with the Thai embassy assuring the grieving mother that additional information would be provided in due course. She fervently appealed to the embassy to facilitate the return of her son’s remains to Thailand, enabling a proper funeral rite to be conducted.
The tight-knit community in her village rallied around Surangkhana upon learning of her loss, offering daily consolation and support during this trying time.
Boonlue Dankratok, the head of Ban Nong Yang village, revealed that 37 individuals from the village had worked in Israel. Fortunately, the families of 36 of them confirmed their safety.
Papinya Thongsomjit, representing the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Labour Office, confirmed that initial compensation had already been extended to Pongsathorn’s bereaved family.
A crucial role in providing emotional support during this difficult period has been played by the Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (MCATT) in Nakhon Ratchasima, offering assistance to Ms. Surangkhana and other family members as they grapple with the loss.
Provincial governor Sayam Sirimongkol disclosed that a total of 2,163 individuals from Nakhon Ratchasima had worked in Israel. In light of these recent developments, the governor instructed Ms. Papinya to ascertain how many workers from the province were still in Israel and desiring to return home, pledging to provide them with any necessary assistance.
