While the good news is the first few Thais have returned to Thailand from Israel, 6000 more have registered to return. From the approximately 30,000 Thais currently in Israel are not planning to return, at least not any time soon, because they are in areas considered to be safe.
The bad news is second only to the USA, the number of Thai deaths among all foreign nationals caught up in this so far is 21. The USA is reporting 22 deaths. 14 Thais are reported injured. I have seen no further news yet about the 16 Thais being held hostage by Hamas.
__________________
PM mourns Thai dead
Fatalities among highest in Hamas-Israel war
by Aekarach Sattaburuth, Poramet Tangsathaporn & Penchan Charoensuthipan
October 13, 2023
The number of Thais killed in the Israel–Hamas war is among the highest in terms of nationality, said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Thursday after returning from his overseas trip.
"Thai people are not part of this fight, but our country has the most losses," he said.
"Our urgent priority is to repatriate Thais who want to return home," he said, adding that any commercial airlines with available aircraft are welcome to contact the Foreign Affairs Ministry to help with evacuation.
At present, about 200 Thais can be evacuated per day, he said, adding at this rate, it will take a month to repatriate all 6,000 Thai workers who have requested to go home.
"We've thought about evacuation via land transportation, but the route needs to pass the Gaza Strip, which is an impossible action," he said.
"We've thought about flying Thais to neighbouring countries, like Egypt, but some of the Thai people lost their passports," he said. "But this should not be a problem. The government will make sure that the Foreign Affairs Ministry has local officials to help."
According to an AFP report on Thursday, Thailand has the second-highest number of fatalities at 21, following the United States with 22 deaths.
The ministry announced that the number of Thais injured in Israel was 14, while the number of Thais expressing their intention to return home had escalated to 5,990 as of Thursday.
There are about 30,000 Thais in Israel, most of them working in the agricultural sector, according to government figures.
The Ministry of Transport on Thursday said it has secured cooperation with at least three airlines -- Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways International and Nok Air -- which have agreed to arrange repatriation flights in three days' time.
Meanwhile, the PM said the chief of defence forces Gen Songwit Noonpakdi was asking his Israeli counterpart to help gather and transport Thais to the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv.
Dubai, UAE or India are now considered as possible hubs for Thais as they wait for repatriation flights to take them home later, said Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit.
He was speaking after a meeting on Thursday with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Armed Forces.
Aside from these countries, the government has also sought permission from other countries near Israel, including Jordan, to operate repatriation flights as well if necessary, said Mr Suriya.
Travelling in Israel now has become a challenge as many roads are closed, and the only possible option to ensure that all Thais who intend to return home reach the airport safely is to travel in an Israeli military vehicle, said Mr Srettha.
Another challenge now is the likelihood that Israeli airspace could be shut down soon, and the repatriation flights sent to Israel might not be able to take people back home as planned, he said.
"We have to accept the truth that the situation [in Israel] is intensifying, with rocket attacks continuing literally all the time. And if Israeli airspace remains open and the war situation improves, we will still have hope," said Mr Srettha.
The air force has already planned to dispatch on Sunday an aircraft to repatriate about 120 Thais from Israel in the morning and another 100 later in the afternoon. The next repatriation flight planned by the air force will follow on Oct 18.
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee, meanwhile, said the ministry was coordinating talks with Hamas for the release of 16 Thai hostages.
The ministry was trying to communicate with Hamas via international embassies in Thailand that have good relations with the Palestinians while also seeking help from Asean and other international organisations.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -thai-dead
Thais killed, injured, kidnapped, taken hostage in Hamas attack on Israel
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Re: Thais killed, injured, kidnapped, taken hostage in Hamas attack on Israel
Thai workers who bought own return tickets from Israel to be reimbursed
by THE NATION
October 14, 2023
The Ministry of Foreign Affair has said it would fully reimburse those workers who had bought air tickets with their own money to return from Israel.
The ministry was also attempting to increase flight frequencies and striving to bring home 400 Thais per flight, Kanchana Patarachoke, the ministry’s director-general of the Department of Information, said.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has reiterated his government’s policy of assisting every Thai national, including those who travelled back to Thailand from October 7 onwards, when the conflict between Israel and Hamas began.
Thai nationals who travelled back must provide supporting documents, such as boarding pass, receipt or flight tickets, along with identification documents such as passport or national ID card to claim reimbursement. They should submit these through provincial labour offices and the Ministry of Labor.
In the future, there may be service points set up at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
At least 21 Thai nationals are reported to have been killed in the Hamas onslaught last week, 14 suffered injuries, and an estimated 16 individuals are believed to have been held hostage.
Commercial flights with Thai Airways, Nok Air and Air Asia are being reserved for Thai workers, details of which are yet to be disclosed. The aim is to repatriate approximately 400 individuals per day through all available channels, with a goal of daily repatriation if possible, Kanchana said.
Plans are being made to evacuate Thai nationals to Jordan and nearby countries using Thai Airways flights. The Thai ambassador to Jordan had discussed the need to expedite incomplete documentation for land travel. The repatriation has become more challenging because of hostilities in the region.
A repatriation centre has been set up in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and in Egypt to accommodate Thai nationals for repatriation. Thai Airways flights will be available to transport them back to Thailand. However, the mode of travel will depend on the evolving situation and security considerations.
Thai food establishments in Israel have provided assistance and prepared meals for Thai workers who are waiting to return to Thailand.
The Ministry of Labour has also instructed the labour management officers stationed at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv, to urgently coordinate with employers and the 12 job placement agencies to provide information about the whereabouts of workers in different areas.
https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... l/40031880
by THE NATION
October 14, 2023
The Ministry of Foreign Affair has said it would fully reimburse those workers who had bought air tickets with their own money to return from Israel.
The ministry was also attempting to increase flight frequencies and striving to bring home 400 Thais per flight, Kanchana Patarachoke, the ministry’s director-general of the Department of Information, said.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has reiterated his government’s policy of assisting every Thai national, including those who travelled back to Thailand from October 7 onwards, when the conflict between Israel and Hamas began.
Thai nationals who travelled back must provide supporting documents, such as boarding pass, receipt or flight tickets, along with identification documents such as passport or national ID card to claim reimbursement. They should submit these through provincial labour offices and the Ministry of Labor.
In the future, there may be service points set up at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
At least 21 Thai nationals are reported to have been killed in the Hamas onslaught last week, 14 suffered injuries, and an estimated 16 individuals are believed to have been held hostage.
Commercial flights with Thai Airways, Nok Air and Air Asia are being reserved for Thai workers, details of which are yet to be disclosed. The aim is to repatriate approximately 400 individuals per day through all available channels, with a goal of daily repatriation if possible, Kanchana said.
Plans are being made to evacuate Thai nationals to Jordan and nearby countries using Thai Airways flights. The Thai ambassador to Jordan had discussed the need to expedite incomplete documentation for land travel. The repatriation has become more challenging because of hostilities in the region.
A repatriation centre has been set up in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and in Egypt to accommodate Thai nationals for repatriation. Thai Airways flights will be available to transport them back to Thailand. However, the mode of travel will depend on the evolving situation and security considerations.
Thai food establishments in Israel have provided assistance and prepared meals for Thai workers who are waiting to return to Thailand.
The Ministry of Labour has also instructed the labour management officers stationed at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv, to urgently coordinate with employers and the 12 job placement agencies to provide information about the whereabouts of workers in different areas.
https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... l/40031880
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Re: Thais killed, injured, kidnapped, taken hostage in Hamas attack on Israel
Nice going Hamas - shoot, kill, kidnap, and torture poor workers - people who are not even Israeli and have absolutely nothing to do with the conflict and may not even have known there is a conflict.
The known Thai death toll is now up to 24.
____________________________
Mother told captured son is dead
Embassy confirms her worst fears
by Prasit Tangprasert
October 14, 2023
Pongsathorn Khunsri, 25, from Nakhon Ratchasima, was confirmed dead after being captured
during the Hamas attacks in Israel. (Photo: Prasit TangPrasert)
One of the Thai workers reportedly captured by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Oct 7 has been confirmed dead, according to the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel.
The victim was Pongsathorn Khunsri, 25, who is among the 21 Thais who have been killed due to the Hamas attacks.
An embassy official called his mother, Surangkhana, who lives in Moo 5 village in tambon Nong Yang in Chalerm Phrakiat district of Nakhon Ratchasima, at around 9pm on Wednesday.
"I was shocked and speechless when I heard the news," she said with tears during an interview on Friday. "I had prayed for his safety when I knew he was captured. I wished for a miracle. I wished him to return home safely. Sadly, there is no miracle."
Her son, nicknamed "Green", worked on an Israeli farm for a year. He wanted to earn more money to build a new house for his mother. Pongsathorn also regularly sent part of his earnings to his mum because he wanted her to have a better life.
"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?" Ms Surangkhana said.
She said she did not have many details on what happened to her son, and the Thai embassy promised to provide more information later. She also urged the embassy to help return her son's remains to Thailand for a funeral rite.
When neighbours knew about her loss, they consoled her every day.
Boonlue Dankratok, head of Ban Nong Yang village, said that 37 people from Ban Nong Yan village have worked in Israel. Their families confirmed that 36 of them were safe.
Papinya Thongsomjit from Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Labour Office said initial compensation has already been provided to Pongsathorn's family.
A Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (MCATT) in Nakhon Ratchasima has also aided Ms Surangkhana and other family members to help them cope with the loss.
Provincial governor Sayam Sirimongkol said 2,163 people from Nakhon Ratchasima have worked in Israel.
The provincial governor has instructed Ms Papinya to find out how many workers from the province were still in Israel and wished to return home so as to offer them any assistance they may need.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... on-is-dead
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Thai deaths in Hamas massacre spotlight poor agricultural workers from Asia who toil in Israel’s fields
By Heather Chen and Kocha Olarn, CNN
October 13, 2023
Bangkok CNN — Like his father Chumporn and dozens of other able-bodied men from their village in northeast Thailand, Manee Jirachart moved to Israel in search of work, dreaming of a better life.
Jobs were hard to come by within his rural community so when Manee found a cleaning position at a government office in southern Israel near the Gaza it seemed like a real opportunity.
He’d been working that job for nearly five years when he was abducted and taken hostage last weekend by Hamas militants involved in last weekend’s murder and kidnapping rampage within Israel.
The 29-year-old was just one of the scores of foreigners who became caught up in the attack that has devastated families around the world.
Dozens came from countries like the United States, Canada, the UK and France, with many holding dual Israeli citizenship and living in the kibbutzim targeted by Hamas gunmen or had been partying at the music festival where so many were killed.
But among many of the foreigners killed and captured by Hamas were also migrant workers from Asia, without familial links to either Israel or the Palestinian Territories, who hail from mostly poor, rural families and work in the country’s agricultural, construction and healthcare sectors.
At least 10 Nepali agriculture students were killed when the Hamas militants stormed the Alumim kibbutz, an agrarian community near Gaza, and another Nepali is missing, the country’s ambassador to Israel told CNN.
Two Filipinos were also killed, according to the Philippines government.
But it is Thailand, which for decades has made up one of the biggest sources of migrant labor in Israel, that has suffered one of the highest tolls of any nation beyond Israel itself.
So far at least 21 Thai nationals have been killed as of Thursday, according to Thai authorities, with at least 14 others believed to have been captured by Hamas, their current whereabouts unknown, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed.
“Thailand has dominated the foreign migrant worker market in Israeli agriculture for the past decade,” said Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch.
“As many as 20,000 Thai workers were living on various remote farms and desert areas all over Israel, including areas close to the Gaza Strip so it isn’t surprising at all that many were right in harm’s way when Hamas fighters arrived.”
Each day this week the number has ticked up as more details become known, sparking fresh heartbreak for Thai families living thousands of miles from the Middle East’s latest conflict.
In an interview on Thai television, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said that around 5,000 Thais were employed in the “fighting zone.” Thousands of them are now hoping to return home to worried families, he added.
With Israel massing hundreds of thousands of troops on the Gaza border amid speculation there could be a ground invasion, many in Thailand fear they could yet become caught in the crossfire.
‘Begging for my son’s release’
Manee had talked to his father Chumporn on the phone just hours before the attack.
“I had spoken with Manee in the morning and we were supposed to talk again in the evening,” Chumporn told CNN in a phone interview.
At the time, rockets were being fired toward Israel and this reminded the elder man of his own experiences living and working there. Aware of how quickly the dangers could escalate, the 50-year-old urged his son not to go outside, other than to find a bunker and hide if he needed to.
But hours later, he saw photos circulating on social media showing his son with his hands behind his back, sitting barefoot and cross-legged with other male hostages in front of an armed fighter pointing a rifle.
The photo, verified by Chumporn and seen by CNN, showed what looked like an underground room.
“I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was some kind of prank,” Chumporn said. “I called him several times but there was no answer – that was when I started to believe it was real.”
“We (Thais) are not involved in any of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. We are just there to work and earn money so we can have better lives,” he added.
“I am begging for my son’s release. I need to have him back, in good shape – like before he left Thailand.”
‘Palestinian workers weren’t welcome anymore’
Migrant workers from Asia make up more than half of Israel’s foreign work force, often taking on jobs as caregivers and within the construction industry.
Construction workers from China, where multiple firms maintain lucrative contracts with real estate developers in Israel, have found themselves caught up the violence this week.
One of the Filipinos killed, Paul Castelvi, had been working in Israel for five years and was a major breadwinner for his family, who expressed disbelief over his death at the hands of Hamas fighters.
“He was among those employed taking care of elderly people when Hamas fighters entered their home,” Castelvi’s elderly father Nick told CNN affiliate CNN Philippines at their home in San Fernando city in the northwestern Pampanga province.
“They were heartless and did not show any mercy.”
“You can ask anyone and they will tell you how kind and good my son was. He (would have) put up a fight to defend his employer and was shot there while they (Hamas fighters) took his employer and left Paul there to die with a gunshot wound,” he said, breaking down in tears.
“We are left devastated by his loss. He was just there to earn a living so why would they do that to my son?”
Assia Ladizhinskaya, spokesperson for Kav LaOved, a non-profit advocating for labor rights in the region, said part of the reason for this was that an earlier “massive wave of terror acts in Israel” meant “Palestinian workers weren’t welcome anymore.”
“During the 1990s, migrant workers (began to) replace Palestinians working in construction sites and agriculture fields as Palestinians workers became unwelcome and ‘unreliable’ due to regular lock downs and security issues,” Ladizhinskaya added.
Now many have found themselves caught up in those same security issues as a seemingly intractable conflict that has festered for decades without resolution flares up once more.
Human Rights Watch called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of all hostages and said that Thai workers, along with Nepalese and Filipinos, “were simply there to earn money to support their families.
“Such targeting of civilians is clearly a war crime and inexcusable in any circumstance,” said Robertson.
‘Survivors return home’
Meanwhile, the first flight of 41 Thai landed in Bangkok on Thursday – many recounting harrowing escapes as they reunited with tearful family members. Agency photos and videos showed two were being through the airport in wheelchairs.
Migrant workers migrating to dangerous conflict zones in search of work, with little protection and legal enforcement, has been a “big issue for decades,” said British researcher and migrant worker rights specialist Andy Hall.
“It’s clear there is a strong market for them and little regulation by governments,” Hall told CNN. Many even pay massive amounts of money as part of high recruitment fees to take up jobs, he added.
Thailand itself is a major destination for migrant workers, mainly from poorer neighboring countries like Cambodia and Laos, as well as war-torn Myanmar.
“It only shows the desperation of the situation and stronger protocols are needed to protect people even before they migrate. There needs to be more risk assessments and detailed consideration (on the part of authorities).”
For now, many of those workers in Israel find themselves trapped in a region described by the UN as at a “tipping point” as tensions escalate and Israeli retaliation against Gaza accelerates.
Then there are those who, like Manee Jirachart, find themselves hostage in a foreign land they hoped would help them have a better life.
There are up to 150 hostages being held in Gaza, Israeli authorities believe. It is unclear how many are foreign nationals.
“Scores are being held captive, facing appalling threats to their lives,” said the UN’s top humanitarian official Martin Griffiths in a statement released this week.
“The violence must stop. Those held captive must be treated humanely. Hostages must be released without delay.”
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/13/asia ... index.html
The known Thai death toll is now up to 24.
____________________________
Mother told captured son is dead
Embassy confirms her worst fears
by Prasit Tangprasert
October 14, 2023
Pongsathorn Khunsri, 25, from Nakhon Ratchasima, was confirmed dead after being captured
during the Hamas attacks in Israel. (Photo: Prasit TangPrasert)
One of the Thai workers reportedly captured by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Oct 7 has been confirmed dead, according to the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel.
The victim was Pongsathorn Khunsri, 25, who is among the 21 Thais who have been killed due to the Hamas attacks.
An embassy official called his mother, Surangkhana, who lives in Moo 5 village in tambon Nong Yang in Chalerm Phrakiat district of Nakhon Ratchasima, at around 9pm on Wednesday.
"I was shocked and speechless when I heard the news," she said with tears during an interview on Friday. "I had prayed for his safety when I knew he was captured. I wished for a miracle. I wished him to return home safely. Sadly, there is no miracle."
Her son, nicknamed "Green", worked on an Israeli farm for a year. He wanted to earn more money to build a new house for his mother. Pongsathorn also regularly sent part of his earnings to his mum because he wanted her to have a better life.
"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?" Ms Surangkhana said.
She said she did not have many details on what happened to her son, and the Thai embassy promised to provide more information later. She also urged the embassy to help return her son's remains to Thailand for a funeral rite.
When neighbours knew about her loss, they consoled her every day.
Boonlue Dankratok, head of Ban Nong Yang village, said that 37 people from Ban Nong Yan village have worked in Israel. Their families confirmed that 36 of them were safe.
Papinya Thongsomjit from Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Labour Office said initial compensation has already been provided to Pongsathorn's family.
A Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (MCATT) in Nakhon Ratchasima has also aided Ms Surangkhana and other family members to help them cope with the loss.
Provincial governor Sayam Sirimongkol said 2,163 people from Nakhon Ratchasima have worked in Israel.
The provincial governor has instructed Ms Papinya to find out how many workers from the province were still in Israel and wished to return home so as to offer them any assistance they may need.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... on-is-dead
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Thai deaths in Hamas massacre spotlight poor agricultural workers from Asia who toil in Israel’s fields
By Heather Chen and Kocha Olarn, CNN
October 13, 2023
Bangkok CNN — Like his father Chumporn and dozens of other able-bodied men from their village in northeast Thailand, Manee Jirachart moved to Israel in search of work, dreaming of a better life.
Jobs were hard to come by within his rural community so when Manee found a cleaning position at a government office in southern Israel near the Gaza it seemed like a real opportunity.
He’d been working that job for nearly five years when he was abducted and taken hostage last weekend by Hamas militants involved in last weekend’s murder and kidnapping rampage within Israel.
The 29-year-old was just one of the scores of foreigners who became caught up in the attack that has devastated families around the world.
Dozens came from countries like the United States, Canada, the UK and France, with many holding dual Israeli citizenship and living in the kibbutzim targeted by Hamas gunmen or had been partying at the music festival where so many were killed.
But among many of the foreigners killed and captured by Hamas were also migrant workers from Asia, without familial links to either Israel or the Palestinian Territories, who hail from mostly poor, rural families and work in the country’s agricultural, construction and healthcare sectors.
At least 10 Nepali agriculture students were killed when the Hamas militants stormed the Alumim kibbutz, an agrarian community near Gaza, and another Nepali is missing, the country’s ambassador to Israel told CNN.
Two Filipinos were also killed, according to the Philippines government.
But it is Thailand, which for decades has made up one of the biggest sources of migrant labor in Israel, that has suffered one of the highest tolls of any nation beyond Israel itself.
So far at least 21 Thai nationals have been killed as of Thursday, according to Thai authorities, with at least 14 others believed to have been captured by Hamas, their current whereabouts unknown, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed.
“Thailand has dominated the foreign migrant worker market in Israeli agriculture for the past decade,” said Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch.
“As many as 20,000 Thai workers were living on various remote farms and desert areas all over Israel, including areas close to the Gaza Strip so it isn’t surprising at all that many were right in harm’s way when Hamas fighters arrived.”
Each day this week the number has ticked up as more details become known, sparking fresh heartbreak for Thai families living thousands of miles from the Middle East’s latest conflict.
In an interview on Thai television, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said that around 5,000 Thais were employed in the “fighting zone.” Thousands of them are now hoping to return home to worried families, he added.
With Israel massing hundreds of thousands of troops on the Gaza border amid speculation there could be a ground invasion, many in Thailand fear they could yet become caught in the crossfire.
‘Begging for my son’s release’
Manee had talked to his father Chumporn on the phone just hours before the attack.
“I had spoken with Manee in the morning and we were supposed to talk again in the evening,” Chumporn told CNN in a phone interview.
At the time, rockets were being fired toward Israel and this reminded the elder man of his own experiences living and working there. Aware of how quickly the dangers could escalate, the 50-year-old urged his son not to go outside, other than to find a bunker and hide if he needed to.
But hours later, he saw photos circulating on social media showing his son with his hands behind his back, sitting barefoot and cross-legged with other male hostages in front of an armed fighter pointing a rifle.
The photo, verified by Chumporn and seen by CNN, showed what looked like an underground room.
“I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was some kind of prank,” Chumporn said. “I called him several times but there was no answer – that was when I started to believe it was real.”
“We (Thais) are not involved in any of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. We are just there to work and earn money so we can have better lives,” he added.
“I am begging for my son’s release. I need to have him back, in good shape – like before he left Thailand.”
‘Palestinian workers weren’t welcome anymore’
Migrant workers from Asia make up more than half of Israel’s foreign work force, often taking on jobs as caregivers and within the construction industry.
Construction workers from China, where multiple firms maintain lucrative contracts with real estate developers in Israel, have found themselves caught up the violence this week.
One of the Filipinos killed, Paul Castelvi, had been working in Israel for five years and was a major breadwinner for his family, who expressed disbelief over his death at the hands of Hamas fighters.
“He was among those employed taking care of elderly people when Hamas fighters entered their home,” Castelvi’s elderly father Nick told CNN affiliate CNN Philippines at their home in San Fernando city in the northwestern Pampanga province.
“They were heartless and did not show any mercy.”
“You can ask anyone and they will tell you how kind and good my son was. He (would have) put up a fight to defend his employer and was shot there while they (Hamas fighters) took his employer and left Paul there to die with a gunshot wound,” he said, breaking down in tears.
“We are left devastated by his loss. He was just there to earn a living so why would they do that to my son?”
Assia Ladizhinskaya, spokesperson for Kav LaOved, a non-profit advocating for labor rights in the region, said part of the reason for this was that an earlier “massive wave of terror acts in Israel” meant “Palestinian workers weren’t welcome anymore.”
“During the 1990s, migrant workers (began to) replace Palestinians working in construction sites and agriculture fields as Palestinians workers became unwelcome and ‘unreliable’ due to regular lock downs and security issues,” Ladizhinskaya added.
Now many have found themselves caught up in those same security issues as a seemingly intractable conflict that has festered for decades without resolution flares up once more.
Human Rights Watch called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of all hostages and said that Thai workers, along with Nepalese and Filipinos, “were simply there to earn money to support their families.
“Such targeting of civilians is clearly a war crime and inexcusable in any circumstance,” said Robertson.
‘Survivors return home’
Meanwhile, the first flight of 41 Thai landed in Bangkok on Thursday – many recounting harrowing escapes as they reunited with tearful family members. Agency photos and videos showed two were being through the airport in wheelchairs.
Migrant workers migrating to dangerous conflict zones in search of work, with little protection and legal enforcement, has been a “big issue for decades,” said British researcher and migrant worker rights specialist Andy Hall.
“It’s clear there is a strong market for them and little regulation by governments,” Hall told CNN. Many even pay massive amounts of money as part of high recruitment fees to take up jobs, he added.
Thailand itself is a major destination for migrant workers, mainly from poorer neighboring countries like Cambodia and Laos, as well as war-torn Myanmar.
“It only shows the desperation of the situation and stronger protocols are needed to protect people even before they migrate. There needs to be more risk assessments and detailed consideration (on the part of authorities).”
For now, many of those workers in Israel find themselves trapped in a region described by the UN as at a “tipping point” as tensions escalate and Israeli retaliation against Gaza accelerates.
Then there are those who, like Manee Jirachart, find themselves hostage in a foreign land they hoped would help them have a better life.
There are up to 150 hostages being held in Gaza, Israeli authorities believe. It is unclear how many are foreign nationals.
“Scores are being held captive, facing appalling threats to their lives,” said the UN’s top humanitarian official Martin Griffiths in a statement released this week.
“The violence must stop. Those held captive must be treated humanely. Hostages must be released without delay.”
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/13/asia ... index.html
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Gaybutton
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Re: Thais killed, injured, kidnapped, taken hostage in Hamas attack on Israel
PM expects more repatriation flight progress
Permission from as many as 10 countries for overflights needed but risk is growing in Israel
October 15, 2023
Thai workers board a van to take them away from high-risk areas in southern Israel to Tel Aviv, where they will await a repatriation flight. The evacuation was arranged by the Thai embassy in cooperation with municipal security officials and the Israeli army. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
The government hopes to get overflight permission from more than 10 countries for its repatriation flights from Israel within two days instead of 10 days as initially expected, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Saturday.
With an estimated 7,000 workers having expressed a wish to leave the war zone, Thailand is seeking to bring back more of its citizens from Israel than nearly any other country in the world.
About two dozen countries are attempting to repatriate their nationals from Israel on military aircraft and commercial airlines, with varying degrees of success.
At least two countries cancelled some weekend repatriation flights, saying Israeli preparations for a ground assault on Gaza had increased the risk for airlines operating in the area.
Mr Srettha said he expected to hear more updates on evacuation operations when he meets with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Sunday.
The Ministry of Public Health, meanwhile, said that of the 56 Thai people — 55 men and one woman — who returned on the second flight from Israel, two received further care for gunshot wounds. Another eight people were found to be experiencing varying degrees of mental trauma and would need extra care before they would be allowed to go home.
The two injured workers were a 38-year-old man from Nakhon Phanom who was shot in the hip, and a 26-year-old Khon Kaen man who was shot in the pelvis, said Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew.
The two men were examined at Bang Phli Hospital and later discharged and allowed to go home as their conditions were not worrying, said the minister.
Twenty-four Thai people have been killed in Israel since the Hamas assault began last weekend, with 16 injured and another 16 taken hostage.
The next repatriation flight is scheduled to land at 7.25am Sunday at U-tapao Airport, where medical and mental health teams would be on hand if needed, said the minister.
The passengers will be taken to the SC Park Hotel in Bangkok where their families are waiting to welcome them back home, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A fourth repatriation flight, to be operated by the air force, is scheduled to leave Tel Aviv at 1pm Sunday Israel time and arrive at the Royal Thai Air Force Wing 6, on Monday at 4.40am.
In Nakhon Phanom, meanwhile, relatives of Thai workers in Israel who could not be contacted have sought help from the provincial labour office.
Of the 2,100 Thais from the northeastern province who work in Israel, some 330 are in high-risk areas and five could not be contacted.
Australia, Switzerland cancel flights
In a related development, Australia on Saturday cancelled two planned repatriation flights due to the “highly challenging and rapidly changing” situation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
Australia continues to work with citizens in the area to help them return home and will communicate about future flights, it added.
The first in the planned series of repatriation flights left on Friday local time, with over 200 Australians and their families arriving safely in London, according to SBS News.
Swiss International Air Lines said on Friday that it was suspending its repatriation flights until further notice, citing the expected Israeli ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.
The carrier cancelled two special flights from Tel Aviv to Zurich, scheduled for Saturday, to evacuate Swiss nationals.
“With the risk of a new escalation between the different parties to the conflict increasing sharply, the reliability and safety of flights with our crews and passengers are increasingly threatened,” Swiss said in a statement.
Permission from as many as 10 countries for overflights needed but risk is growing in Israel
October 15, 2023
Thai workers board a van to take them away from high-risk areas in southern Israel to Tel Aviv, where they will await a repatriation flight. The evacuation was arranged by the Thai embassy in cooperation with municipal security officials and the Israeli army. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
The government hopes to get overflight permission from more than 10 countries for its repatriation flights from Israel within two days instead of 10 days as initially expected, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Saturday.
With an estimated 7,000 workers having expressed a wish to leave the war zone, Thailand is seeking to bring back more of its citizens from Israel than nearly any other country in the world.
About two dozen countries are attempting to repatriate their nationals from Israel on military aircraft and commercial airlines, with varying degrees of success.
At least two countries cancelled some weekend repatriation flights, saying Israeli preparations for a ground assault on Gaza had increased the risk for airlines operating in the area.
Mr Srettha said he expected to hear more updates on evacuation operations when he meets with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Sunday.
The Ministry of Public Health, meanwhile, said that of the 56 Thai people — 55 men and one woman — who returned on the second flight from Israel, two received further care for gunshot wounds. Another eight people were found to be experiencing varying degrees of mental trauma and would need extra care before they would be allowed to go home.
The two injured workers were a 38-year-old man from Nakhon Phanom who was shot in the hip, and a 26-year-old Khon Kaen man who was shot in the pelvis, said Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew.
The two men were examined at Bang Phli Hospital and later discharged and allowed to go home as their conditions were not worrying, said the minister.
Twenty-four Thai people have been killed in Israel since the Hamas assault began last weekend, with 16 injured and another 16 taken hostage.
The next repatriation flight is scheduled to land at 7.25am Sunday at U-tapao Airport, where medical and mental health teams would be on hand if needed, said the minister.
The passengers will be taken to the SC Park Hotel in Bangkok where their families are waiting to welcome them back home, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A fourth repatriation flight, to be operated by the air force, is scheduled to leave Tel Aviv at 1pm Sunday Israel time and arrive at the Royal Thai Air Force Wing 6, on Monday at 4.40am.
In Nakhon Phanom, meanwhile, relatives of Thai workers in Israel who could not be contacted have sought help from the provincial labour office.
Of the 2,100 Thais from the northeastern province who work in Israel, some 330 are in high-risk areas and five could not be contacted.
Australia, Switzerland cancel flights
In a related development, Australia on Saturday cancelled two planned repatriation flights due to the “highly challenging and rapidly changing” situation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
Australia continues to work with citizens in the area to help them return home and will communicate about future flights, it added.
The first in the planned series of repatriation flights left on Friday local time, with over 200 Australians and their families arriving safely in London, according to SBS News.
Swiss International Air Lines said on Friday that it was suspending its repatriation flights until further notice, citing the expected Israeli ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.
The carrier cancelled two special flights from Tel Aviv to Zurich, scheduled for Saturday, to evacuate Swiss nationals.
“With the risk of a new escalation between the different parties to the conflict increasing sharply, the reliability and safety of flights with our crews and passengers are increasingly threatened,” Swiss said in a statement.
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Re: Thais killed, injured, kidnapped, taken hostage in Hamas attack on Israel
Thai death toll in Israel rises to 28
October 15, 2023
Four more Thais working in Israel are confirmed to have been killed during the Hamas attacks, bringing the Thai death toll to 28, with 16 wounded and a further 17 abducted.
Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn on Sunday said reports from a councillor for labour affairs at the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv showed that the Thai death toll is now 28 with 17 abducted Thais and 16 wounded.
A total of 7,540 Thais have filled forms at the embassy, with 7,446 intending to return home and 94 wanting to stay in Israel, according to the reports.
Mr Pipat led senior ministry officials to meet the third group of 90 Thai workers at SC Park Hotel in Bangkok.
The workers – 88 men and two women – returned home from Israel on a commercial flight on Sunday morning. They arrived at U-tapao international airport in Rayong province before boarding chartered buses to the hotel in Wang Thong Lang district, where they warmly greeted by their waiting relatives.
Mr Pipat said another group of 137 Thais will return home at around 5-6am on Monday by Air Force aircraft. They will arrive at Don Mueang airport, said the minister.
Prime Mnister Srettha Thavisin has expressed concern about how to find more aircraft for the repatriation plan in addition to the flights that the government has coordinated with some airlines, said Mr Pipat.
Nok Air and Thai AirAsia have each agreed to help arrange two repatriation flights. Thai Airways International and the air force will arrange one repatriation flight each.
So far only 200 Thai workers have been able to be repatriated because many lost their passports while fleeing to seek refuge in bunkers, said the minister.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has been preparing 8,000 reserve passports. In the next 3-4 days, authorities would be able to repatriate 400 Thais a day, said Mr Pipat.
The Labour Ministry has sent five more officials who used to live in Israel to help Thai workers there while the Foreign Affairs Ministry has sent another 10 officials to that country.
Mr Pipat said about 7,000 Thais who have registered to return home could be repatriated next month.
Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong said on Sunday that he was saddened that the Thai death toll has risen to 28 and almost 20 people were wounded in the Hamas attacks.
The government wanted to see Thai workers return home safely and would try its best to help those abducted, said Pol Col Thawee during a meeting with Thai returnees at SC Park Hotel.
Story and photos: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ises-to-28
October 15, 2023
Four more Thais working in Israel are confirmed to have been killed during the Hamas attacks, bringing the Thai death toll to 28, with 16 wounded and a further 17 abducted.
Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn on Sunday said reports from a councillor for labour affairs at the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv showed that the Thai death toll is now 28 with 17 abducted Thais and 16 wounded.
A total of 7,540 Thais have filled forms at the embassy, with 7,446 intending to return home and 94 wanting to stay in Israel, according to the reports.
Mr Pipat led senior ministry officials to meet the third group of 90 Thai workers at SC Park Hotel in Bangkok.
The workers – 88 men and two women – returned home from Israel on a commercial flight on Sunday morning. They arrived at U-tapao international airport in Rayong province before boarding chartered buses to the hotel in Wang Thong Lang district, where they warmly greeted by their waiting relatives.
Mr Pipat said another group of 137 Thais will return home at around 5-6am on Monday by Air Force aircraft. They will arrive at Don Mueang airport, said the minister.
Prime Mnister Srettha Thavisin has expressed concern about how to find more aircraft for the repatriation plan in addition to the flights that the government has coordinated with some airlines, said Mr Pipat.
Nok Air and Thai AirAsia have each agreed to help arrange two repatriation flights. Thai Airways International and the air force will arrange one repatriation flight each.
So far only 200 Thai workers have been able to be repatriated because many lost their passports while fleeing to seek refuge in bunkers, said the minister.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has been preparing 8,000 reserve passports. In the next 3-4 days, authorities would be able to repatriate 400 Thais a day, said Mr Pipat.
The Labour Ministry has sent five more officials who used to live in Israel to help Thai workers there while the Foreign Affairs Ministry has sent another 10 officials to that country.
Mr Pipat said about 7,000 Thais who have registered to return home could be repatriated next month.
Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong said on Sunday that he was saddened that the Thai death toll has risen to 28 and almost 20 people were wounded in the Hamas attacks.
The government wanted to see Thai workers return home safely and would try its best to help those abducted, said Pol Col Thawee during a meeting with Thai returnees at SC Park Hotel.
Story and photos: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ises-to-28
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Re: Thais killed, injured, kidnapped, taken hostage in Hamas attack on Israel
Workers recall Hamas escape
Labourer tells tale of gunshots during attack
by Penchan Charoensuthipan
October 16, 2023
Thai workers have shared experiences of their escape from the recent Hamas attacks in Israel, while a family member of a Thai worker has urged the government to review its decision to export Thai workers to dangerous red zones in Israel, particularly areas near the Gaza Strip.
Last Thursday, the first group of 41 Thai workers returned to Thailand on Israel Airlines flight LY 083. Of them, 15 workers were sponsored by the Thai government, while 26 others purchased their own air tickets to return home.
About 7,000 people, out of a total of 30,000 workers sent abroad by the government, have worked in Israel. Most of them work in the agricultural sector.
Somma Saeja, a native to Tak, was left in a wheelchair after his left knee was shot during the Hamas attacks. He told the Bangkok Post after he landed at Suvarnabhumi airport that his employer helped all eight Thai workers to hide at his house during the Hamas attacks on the morning of Oct 7.
After the situation calmed down, the employer drove them back to their camp. Then he heard the sound of gunfire and he realised he had been shot.
He shouted to his friends to get down while his employer fled in the vehicle to a relative's house. Mr Somma and three other Thais were injured by gunshots during the incident.
Nantawan Saelee, 30, Mr Somma's wife, said her husband decided to work in Israel due to the potential for high earning.
He wanted to save money to build a new house for her and his mother. He sent around 50,000 baht home every month. She admitted that now, deep down, she would prefer her husband to work near their humble home in Thailand, rather than in Israel, despite the appealing income.
Another 33-year-old worker, known only as Mr Ball, said he was living at a camp near the Gaza Strip, known as the red zone. After the Hamas attacks, factories were burned down and many people, including Thais, were killed.
He said behind his camp was a base of the Israeli army. After being attacked, he escaped and hid in the forest. He was later recused by Israeli soldiers who sent him to an evacuation centre. He did not hesitate when given the chance to get out of the country.
"I had only worked there for four months but have never experienced anything as violent as this before. I knew I must go home. I couldn't stay despite the good pay and my five-year contract," he said.
He bought an plane ticket for 27,000 baht and flew back home. However, he said many Thai workers at the camp decided to stay because they or their families borrowed money to send them to work in Israel while many others could not afford the ticket prices.
Nittaya Sunthornchai, elder sister of Sathit Promunart, who has worked in Israel since April 2021, said her brother is diligent and hard-working. He had sent money back home to help the family pay off almost all their debt of around 200,000 baht.
She waited for him at the airport when she learnt that he was among the first Thai workers to return home.
"I don't want him to risk his life but it is up to him if he wants to go back to Israel to work again in the future," she said.
She said her brother went to work in Israel with the support of the Labour Ministry. She is urging the government to stop exporting Thai workers to work in dangerous zones, particularly areas near the Gaza Strip.
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he has instructed the Minister Counsellor in the labour section in Israel to coordinate with employers to pay any unpaid wages and ensure Thai workers can keep working there after the situation calms down.
The ministry will also ask workers if they want the government to send them to work in other countries.
In addition, Thai workers who are members of the Aid Fund for Overseas Workers will be eligible for financial aid in situations where they are forced to return home due to wars or disability.
The privilege also covers medical costs and compensation for leaving before the end of the contract or because of death, he said.
Story and photo: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... mas-escape
_______________________________________________________
‘Not going back to Israel’, says Thai worker, as 90 arrive at U-Tapao airport
by THE NATION
October 15, 2023
Loading...
The third batch of 90 Thai workers returned from Israel early on Sunday and one of them vowed not to return to the Jewish state after he witnessed the death of his colleague.
The 90 Thai workers came on a Fly Dubai plane which landed at the U-Tapao International Airport at 5.30am. They were received by several senior Thai officials, including the airport’s director.
The workers left Tel Aviv at 11am on Saturday to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to catch a transit flight. They left Dubai on another Fly Dubai plane at 8pm on Saturday.
The group was the third batch of Thai workers evacuated after war broke out between Israel and Hamas last Saturday following a surprise attack by the militants across the border.
After they arrived, Immigration Police processed the immigration clearance for them and Public Health Ministry officials checked their health.
The workers were taken inside the terminal building to have their first meal after their return. Reporters were not allowed to witness them having breakfast.
Two of the 90 workers were injured in the legs by bomb shrapnel and they were rushed to a hospital. The rest of the workers were transported in three buses to stay at the SC Park Hotel in Bangkok to wait for their relatives to take them home.
ACM Sittichai Tangjai, director of the U-Tapao airport, said he was assigned by Air Force Commander-in-Chief ACM Adung Phaniam to welcome the workers at the airport.
Sitthichai said the group comprised 88 men and two female workers.
He said the U-Tapao airport also arranged the workers their first meal.
The senior officials, who welcomed the workers, included Rayong Governor Traipop Wongtrailuck and Rear Admiral Duan Prommanee, commander of the naval aviation division.
Duan said the Royal Thai Navy would cooperate with Fly Dubai airline to fly Thai workers to the U-Tapao airport one trip a day.
Ruj Thammamongkol, director-general of the Consular Affairs Department who was also present to welcome the workers, said Thai workers, who volunteered to be evacuated from Israel, are waiting for evacuations at a safe hotel in Tel Aviv.
Ruj said the government would gradually evacuate all Thais who wanted to return home. So far, over 7,000 Thai workers have expressed their wish to return home.
After breakfast, reporters could talk to the workers before they were transported to Bangkok by buses.
One of the workers, Weerayut Panyaprachum, 35, said he was very glad to return to Thailand after he witnessed one of his friends killed by a shell.
“I’m very glad that I survived. I almost didn’t make it here,” Weerayut said.
He said he was working in a garden of his employer when a shell fell and the explosion killed one of his friends in front of him and another worker was injured.
The explosion was 10 metres from the spot where he was standing.
Weerayut added that he would not return to Israel again and he hoped the government would evacuate the remaining workers as soon as possible.
Two other workers, Surachai Sommanakhiri, 28, and Chaiya Boonsung, 39, thanked the government for arranging their flight back to Thailand.
They said they were frightened by the fighting and wanted to return home as soon as possible.
Story and photos: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... l/40031917
Labourer tells tale of gunshots during attack
by Penchan Charoensuthipan
October 16, 2023
Thai workers have shared experiences of their escape from the recent Hamas attacks in Israel, while a family member of a Thai worker has urged the government to review its decision to export Thai workers to dangerous red zones in Israel, particularly areas near the Gaza Strip.
Last Thursday, the first group of 41 Thai workers returned to Thailand on Israel Airlines flight LY 083. Of them, 15 workers were sponsored by the Thai government, while 26 others purchased their own air tickets to return home.
About 7,000 people, out of a total of 30,000 workers sent abroad by the government, have worked in Israel. Most of them work in the agricultural sector.
Somma Saeja, a native to Tak, was left in a wheelchair after his left knee was shot during the Hamas attacks. He told the Bangkok Post after he landed at Suvarnabhumi airport that his employer helped all eight Thai workers to hide at his house during the Hamas attacks on the morning of Oct 7.
After the situation calmed down, the employer drove them back to their camp. Then he heard the sound of gunfire and he realised he had been shot.
He shouted to his friends to get down while his employer fled in the vehicle to a relative's house. Mr Somma and three other Thais were injured by gunshots during the incident.
Nantawan Saelee, 30, Mr Somma's wife, said her husband decided to work in Israel due to the potential for high earning.
He wanted to save money to build a new house for her and his mother. He sent around 50,000 baht home every month. She admitted that now, deep down, she would prefer her husband to work near their humble home in Thailand, rather than in Israel, despite the appealing income.
Another 33-year-old worker, known only as Mr Ball, said he was living at a camp near the Gaza Strip, known as the red zone. After the Hamas attacks, factories were burned down and many people, including Thais, were killed.
He said behind his camp was a base of the Israeli army. After being attacked, he escaped and hid in the forest. He was later recused by Israeli soldiers who sent him to an evacuation centre. He did not hesitate when given the chance to get out of the country.
"I had only worked there for four months but have never experienced anything as violent as this before. I knew I must go home. I couldn't stay despite the good pay and my five-year contract," he said.
He bought an plane ticket for 27,000 baht and flew back home. However, he said many Thai workers at the camp decided to stay because they or their families borrowed money to send them to work in Israel while many others could not afford the ticket prices.
Nittaya Sunthornchai, elder sister of Sathit Promunart, who has worked in Israel since April 2021, said her brother is diligent and hard-working. He had sent money back home to help the family pay off almost all their debt of around 200,000 baht.
She waited for him at the airport when she learnt that he was among the first Thai workers to return home.
"I don't want him to risk his life but it is up to him if he wants to go back to Israel to work again in the future," she said.
She said her brother went to work in Israel with the support of the Labour Ministry. She is urging the government to stop exporting Thai workers to work in dangerous zones, particularly areas near the Gaza Strip.
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he has instructed the Minister Counsellor in the labour section in Israel to coordinate with employers to pay any unpaid wages and ensure Thai workers can keep working there after the situation calms down.
The ministry will also ask workers if they want the government to send them to work in other countries.
In addition, Thai workers who are members of the Aid Fund for Overseas Workers will be eligible for financial aid in situations where they are forced to return home due to wars or disability.
The privilege also covers medical costs and compensation for leaving before the end of the contract or because of death, he said.
Story and photo: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... mas-escape
_______________________________________________________
‘Not going back to Israel’, says Thai worker, as 90 arrive at U-Tapao airport
by THE NATION
October 15, 2023
Loading...
The third batch of 90 Thai workers returned from Israel early on Sunday and one of them vowed not to return to the Jewish state after he witnessed the death of his colleague.
The 90 Thai workers came on a Fly Dubai plane which landed at the U-Tapao International Airport at 5.30am. They were received by several senior Thai officials, including the airport’s director.
The workers left Tel Aviv at 11am on Saturday to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to catch a transit flight. They left Dubai on another Fly Dubai plane at 8pm on Saturday.
The group was the third batch of Thai workers evacuated after war broke out between Israel and Hamas last Saturday following a surprise attack by the militants across the border.
After they arrived, Immigration Police processed the immigration clearance for them and Public Health Ministry officials checked their health.
The workers were taken inside the terminal building to have their first meal after their return. Reporters were not allowed to witness them having breakfast.
Two of the 90 workers were injured in the legs by bomb shrapnel and they were rushed to a hospital. The rest of the workers were transported in three buses to stay at the SC Park Hotel in Bangkok to wait for their relatives to take them home.
ACM Sittichai Tangjai, director of the U-Tapao airport, said he was assigned by Air Force Commander-in-Chief ACM Adung Phaniam to welcome the workers at the airport.
Sitthichai said the group comprised 88 men and two female workers.
He said the U-Tapao airport also arranged the workers their first meal.
The senior officials, who welcomed the workers, included Rayong Governor Traipop Wongtrailuck and Rear Admiral Duan Prommanee, commander of the naval aviation division.
Duan said the Royal Thai Navy would cooperate with Fly Dubai airline to fly Thai workers to the U-Tapao airport one trip a day.
Ruj Thammamongkol, director-general of the Consular Affairs Department who was also present to welcome the workers, said Thai workers, who volunteered to be evacuated from Israel, are waiting for evacuations at a safe hotel in Tel Aviv.
Ruj said the government would gradually evacuate all Thais who wanted to return home. So far, over 7,000 Thai workers have expressed their wish to return home.
After breakfast, reporters could talk to the workers before they were transported to Bangkok by buses.
One of the workers, Weerayut Panyaprachum, 35, said he was very glad to return to Thailand after he witnessed one of his friends killed by a shell.
“I’m very glad that I survived. I almost didn’t make it here,” Weerayut said.
He said he was working in a garden of his employer when a shell fell and the explosion killed one of his friends in front of him and another worker was injured.
The explosion was 10 metres from the spot where he was standing.
Weerayut added that he would not return to Israel again and he hoped the government would evacuate the remaining workers as soon as possible.
Two other workers, Surachai Sommanakhiri, 28, and Chaiya Boonsung, 39, thanked the government for arranging their flight back to Thailand.
They said they were frightened by the fighting and wanted to return home as soon as possible.
Story and photos: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... l/40031917
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Re: Thais killed, injured, kidnapped, taken hostage in Hamas attack on Israel
Another Thai killed in Israel, another taken hostage: PM
October 16, 2023
An additional Thai worker was confirmed killed in Israel and another was taken hostage, and the situation there remains critical, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Monday.
Mr Srettha was speaking at Suvarnabhumi airport prior to his departure for China to attend the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing on Oct 16-20.
He said another Thai worker had died and another was taken hostage, raising the Thai death toll to 29 and the number of those taken hostage to 18, but did not give details.
The prime minister said he had also been told that six Thai workers who were supposed to return to Thailand on the latest flight did not show up for the trip. Thai authorities tried to contact them, to no avail. It was believed they were in conflict areas and unable to travel out.
The latest flight was the Royal Thai Air Force's A340-500 aircraft, which brought home 130 Thais on Monday morning.
Mr Srettha said a meeting on flight arrangements had been scheduled at the Foreign Ministry on Monday at 4pm - the time he was due to arrive in Beijing. He had given instructions they should try to find more flights, to evacuate all of the approximately 7,000 Thais who wished to return home from Israel by the end of November.
Asked about the Thais taken hostage, the prime minister admitted there had been no positive signs of them being released, despite reports of progress in negotiations.
Mr Srettha said the continued fighting and the rising death toll of Thai workers was worrying. He had instructed officials to do everything they could to get the hostages released and bring them home as soon as possible.
Asked about reports some Thai workers were being forced by their Israeli employers to continue working, even though the country was now at war, Mr Srettha said he had already told the Israeli ambassador that this was unacceptable. She had agreed to look into the matter.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... hostage-pm
October 16, 2023
An additional Thai worker was confirmed killed in Israel and another was taken hostage, and the situation there remains critical, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Monday.
Mr Srettha was speaking at Suvarnabhumi airport prior to his departure for China to attend the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing on Oct 16-20.
He said another Thai worker had died and another was taken hostage, raising the Thai death toll to 29 and the number of those taken hostage to 18, but did not give details.
The prime minister said he had also been told that six Thai workers who were supposed to return to Thailand on the latest flight did not show up for the trip. Thai authorities tried to contact them, to no avail. It was believed they were in conflict areas and unable to travel out.
The latest flight was the Royal Thai Air Force's A340-500 aircraft, which brought home 130 Thais on Monday morning.
Mr Srettha said a meeting on flight arrangements had been scheduled at the Foreign Ministry on Monday at 4pm - the time he was due to arrive in Beijing. He had given instructions they should try to find more flights, to evacuate all of the approximately 7,000 Thais who wished to return home from Israel by the end of November.
Asked about the Thais taken hostage, the prime minister admitted there had been no positive signs of them being released, despite reports of progress in negotiations.
Mr Srettha said the continued fighting and the rising death toll of Thai workers was worrying. He had instructed officials to do everything they could to get the hostages released and bring them home as soon as possible.
Asked about reports some Thai workers were being forced by their Israeli employers to continue working, even though the country was now at war, Mr Srettha said he had already told the Israeli ambassador that this was unacceptable. She had agreed to look into the matter.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... hostage-pm
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Re: Thais killed, injured, kidnapped, taken hostage in Hamas attack on Israel
Soon 600 Thais to be evacuated a day from Israel, says PM, as death toll rises to 30
by THE NATION
October 19, 2023
The UN secretary-general has expressed his condolences over the loss of Thai lives in Israel, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Wednesday, as the Israeli government confirmed the death of another Thai, raising fatalities to 30.
The Israeli government confirmed the death to the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, although it was not clear when the latest victim had died.
The number of injured remained unchanged at 16 while 18 are presumed to have been taken hostage by Hamas.
Srettha was speaking to reporters in Beijing on Wednesday morning.
He met UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative forum.
Srettha said he had told the UN chief that despite Thailand not being a party to the conflicts over Palestine, it had suffered the second highest death toll after the US.
Srettha said the UN secretary-general was shocked by the loss of Thai lives and expressed his condolences.
Srettha said the UN chief told him that he would travel to Egypt and visit the area near the Gaza Strip to pressure for an end to the war as soon as possible.
On the repatriation of Thai workers from Israel, Srettha said the government could repatriate about 400 Thais per day and would soon be able to increase the capacity to 600 a day.
The prime minister added that the Thai government was not complacent about the safety of the remaining Thai workers in Israel.
He said Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara was in the process of seeking permission for the use of ports of Middle East nations to repatriate Thais by sea.
Srettha said the US has repatriated its 1,500 to 2,000 citizens by boat to Cyprus but the Israeli ports have been closed.
The prime minister added that many Thais were still unable to leave the risky zones in Israel and dozens of Thais could not reach the airport in time for their flights although they had registered with the Thai embassy for repatriation.
He said the Supreme Commander of the Thai Armed Forces had been trying to coordinate with the Israel Defence Forces, seeking help to evacuate Thais from risky zones as soon as possible.
Srrettha also urged the remaining Thais to decide as soon as possible whether they want to continue working in Israel at their own risk or return to Thailand.
“The risk is on you. The government has a duty to repatriate people fast and safe after you make a decision to return home,” Srettha said.
https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... l/40032008
by THE NATION
October 19, 2023
The UN secretary-general has expressed his condolences over the loss of Thai lives in Israel, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Wednesday, as the Israeli government confirmed the death of another Thai, raising fatalities to 30.
The Israeli government confirmed the death to the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, although it was not clear when the latest victim had died.
The number of injured remained unchanged at 16 while 18 are presumed to have been taken hostage by Hamas.
Srettha was speaking to reporters in Beijing on Wednesday morning.
He met UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative forum.
Srettha said he had told the UN chief that despite Thailand not being a party to the conflicts over Palestine, it had suffered the second highest death toll after the US.
Srettha said the UN secretary-general was shocked by the loss of Thai lives and expressed his condolences.
Srettha said the UN chief told him that he would travel to Egypt and visit the area near the Gaza Strip to pressure for an end to the war as soon as possible.
On the repatriation of Thai workers from Israel, Srettha said the government could repatriate about 400 Thais per day and would soon be able to increase the capacity to 600 a day.
The prime minister added that the Thai government was not complacent about the safety of the remaining Thai workers in Israel.
He said Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara was in the process of seeking permission for the use of ports of Middle East nations to repatriate Thais by sea.
Srettha said the US has repatriated its 1,500 to 2,000 citizens by boat to Cyprus but the Israeli ports have been closed.
The prime minister added that many Thais were still unable to leave the risky zones in Israel and dozens of Thais could not reach the airport in time for their flights although they had registered with the Thai embassy for repatriation.
He said the Supreme Commander of the Thai Armed Forces had been trying to coordinate with the Israel Defence Forces, seeking help to evacuate Thais from risky zones as soon as possible.
Srrettha also urged the remaining Thais to decide as soon as possible whether they want to continue working in Israel at their own risk or return to Thailand.
“The risk is on you. The government has a duty to repatriate people fast and safe after you make a decision to return home,” Srettha said.
https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... l/40032008
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Gaybutton
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Re: Thais killed, injured, kidnapped, taken hostage in Hamas attack on Israel
The Thai hostages are "like our brothers and sisters"? They are living with Palestinian families? Then why were they taken in the first place? If the bombing is the excuse, then why weren't they released long before the bombing began, such as the same day they were taken?
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Thai hostages are 'safe' (according to Iranian ambassador to Thailand)
Release tied to the end of Gaza bombing
by Poramet Tangsathaporn
October 21, 2023
All Thai hostages are being safely kept in Palestinian territories, said Seyed Reza Nobakhti, the Iranian ambassador to Thailand, who added that they and other foreign hostages will be released when the Israeli military stops bombing the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian militant group Hamas took at least 200 hostages, including 19 Thai workers, following its surprise attack on Israel on Oct 7.
Speaking at a press conference held by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (Thailand) in Bangkok on Friday, the ambassador said the well-being of Thai hostages is a primary concern of the Iranians.
He said the Iranian government would like to express its condolences over Thailand's losses in the conflict. Thirty Thais have been killed since hostilities broke out.
Regarding the Thais being held hostage, Mr Nobakhti said he was informed that Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi met with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar last week, with Mr Raisi asking for the release of Thai and Filipino hostages.
Mr Nobakhti said the Iranians are also trying their best to talk with Palestinian officials in Beirut.
He said that Hamas had agreed to release the hostages, but the problem was they could not send the hostages out of Gaza because of the ongoing Israeli bombardment.
"Two days ago, a group of people were sent to Egypt, but there was an attack. About 70 of them were killed," he said. "So, it is very dangerous for them [to release the hostages]. It is time for the government of Thailand and people in the world to push the Israeli government to stop the genocide in the Gaza Strip so that the hostages can go back home safely."
Mr Nobakhti described the current situation of all foreign hostages, saying they were in safe houses in Gaza, but he said some had been killed by the Israeli airstrikes.
"Around nine foreign hostages were killed because of the bombardment ... but now, Hamas has been trying to keep them in very safe places. But you know, as there are many bombardments everywhere, it is very difficult to keep them safe," he said.
Mr Nobakhti speculated that the war might expand if the bombardment of Gaza continues, but he hopes that it will cease so that negotiations can begin over the exchange of hostages and bring peace to the region.
"The Palestinian side is ready for negotiations, and we hope Israel will be at the negotiation table so we will not witness the expansion of the conflict," he added.
He praised the Thai government's neutral position over this conflict.
"[The Thai government] is doing their best, and I know that they are in contact with [the governments of] Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and so on and trying to bring back their Thai nationals," Mr Nobakhti said.
"There is a way to release the Thai hostages because in the meeting between Iran and Mr Haniyeh ... our leader explained to Hamas that the Thai people are like our brothers-sisters and asked them to try to keep them safe," he said.
"They said the Thai hostages are safe and living with other Palestinian families, but unfortunately, Israelis keep bombarding all over, and this is the problem", he added.
Somchai Virunhaphol of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (Thailand) said that during a recent Hamas press conference in Qatar, the Palestinian group said they would take good care of all hostages and free them when the conflict eases.
"The first condition that I think will allow the release of foreign hostages is at least there should be a temporary ceasefire negotiation, which will provide a way to release hostages and other foreigners in Gaza who are ready to leave," Mr Somchai said.
He voiced concerns over the scarcity of food and water in the Gaza Strip as it is unknown how long food supplies will last for the hostages.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... s-are-safe
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Thai hostages are 'safe' (according to Iranian ambassador to Thailand)
Release tied to the end of Gaza bombing
by Poramet Tangsathaporn
October 21, 2023
All Thai hostages are being safely kept in Palestinian territories, said Seyed Reza Nobakhti, the Iranian ambassador to Thailand, who added that they and other foreign hostages will be released when the Israeli military stops bombing the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian militant group Hamas took at least 200 hostages, including 19 Thai workers, following its surprise attack on Israel on Oct 7.
Speaking at a press conference held by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (Thailand) in Bangkok on Friday, the ambassador said the well-being of Thai hostages is a primary concern of the Iranians.
He said the Iranian government would like to express its condolences over Thailand's losses in the conflict. Thirty Thais have been killed since hostilities broke out.
Regarding the Thais being held hostage, Mr Nobakhti said he was informed that Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi met with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar last week, with Mr Raisi asking for the release of Thai and Filipino hostages.
Mr Nobakhti said the Iranians are also trying their best to talk with Palestinian officials in Beirut.
He said that Hamas had agreed to release the hostages, but the problem was they could not send the hostages out of Gaza because of the ongoing Israeli bombardment.
"Two days ago, a group of people were sent to Egypt, but there was an attack. About 70 of them were killed," he said. "So, it is very dangerous for them [to release the hostages]. It is time for the government of Thailand and people in the world to push the Israeli government to stop the genocide in the Gaza Strip so that the hostages can go back home safely."
Mr Nobakhti described the current situation of all foreign hostages, saying they were in safe houses in Gaza, but he said some had been killed by the Israeli airstrikes.
"Around nine foreign hostages were killed because of the bombardment ... but now, Hamas has been trying to keep them in very safe places. But you know, as there are many bombardments everywhere, it is very difficult to keep them safe," he said.
Mr Nobakhti speculated that the war might expand if the bombardment of Gaza continues, but he hopes that it will cease so that negotiations can begin over the exchange of hostages and bring peace to the region.
"The Palestinian side is ready for negotiations, and we hope Israel will be at the negotiation table so we will not witness the expansion of the conflict," he added.
He praised the Thai government's neutral position over this conflict.
"[The Thai government] is doing their best, and I know that they are in contact with [the governments of] Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and so on and trying to bring back their Thai nationals," Mr Nobakhti said.
"There is a way to release the Thai hostages because in the meeting between Iran and Mr Haniyeh ... our leader explained to Hamas that the Thai people are like our brothers-sisters and asked them to try to keep them safe," he said.
"They said the Thai hostages are safe and living with other Palestinian families, but unfortunately, Israelis keep bombarding all over, and this is the problem", he added.
Somchai Virunhaphol of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (Thailand) said that during a recent Hamas press conference in Qatar, the Palestinian group said they would take good care of all hostages and free them when the conflict eases.
"The first condition that I think will allow the release of foreign hostages is at least there should be a temporary ceasefire negotiation, which will provide a way to release hostages and other foreigners in Gaza who are ready to leave," Mr Somchai said.
He voiced concerns over the scarcity of food and water in the Gaza Strip as it is unknown how long food supplies will last for the hostages.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... s-are-safe
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Gaybutton
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Re: Thais killed, injured, kidnapped, taken hostage in Hamas attack on Israel
Two more Thai workers die in Israel, increasing death toll to 33
October 26, 2023
Two more Thai workers were reported killed in Israel, raising the Thai death toll in the Middle Eastern country from 31 on Wednesday to 33, Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara said on Thursday.
According to the ministry, 18 Thais have been injured in the fighting and the number of those known to have been taken hostage by Hamas fighters has dropped from 19 to 18.
Mr Parnpree, citing the Israeli authorities, said the identities of 24 of those reported killed have been confirmed.
The foreign minister said the government has continued to bring back Thais who have registered for repatriation, while negotiation teams have been dispatched to seek the release of more Thai hostages, with support from some countries acting as coordinators.
According to the Foreign Ministry, a total of 547 Thais were scheduled to be flown home from Israel on Thursday. They comprised 268 on El Al flight LY085 to Suvarnabhumi airport at 10.20 am, 145 on a Royal Thai Air Force aircraft arriving at Don Mueang airport at 11.50 am, and 134 on Lion Air flight SL7005 landing at Don Mueang airport at 2.50 pm.
The bodies of another seven Thais who died in Israel were to be repatriated on El Al flight LY083, scheduled to arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport at 10.35am.
Pairoj Chotikasathien, the labour permanent secretary, said so far 4,531 Thais have been repatriated from Israel on 27 flights.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also confirmed two more Thai casualties and ongoing negotiations for the release of those taken hostage by Hamas militants.
Addressing the House of Representatives on Thursday, Mr Srettha responded to inquiries about the government's actions to help Thai workers after the Israel-Hamas war broke out on Oct 7.
He said that out of about 8,000 Thais who registered for repatriation, more than half have been brought home, with some 4,000 awaiting evacuating flights.
The prime minister also acknowledged challenges in the past four to five days, as Israeli employers offered higher salaries as an incentive for Thai workers to remain in the war-torn country. To cope with this problem, the government is working on measures to help returned workers while contacting some countries that are willing to import Thai workers, offering a competitive pay, he said.
He said the labour minister has made a proposal for the workers who are still in debt from having to pay for brokerage fees to get a bank loan of about 150,000 baht each.
The government will ask the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to extend loans to the workers with debt problems, with a repayment period of 30 years and an interest of 0.1% per year, he said.
"The government is doing its best to bring the workers home as soon as possible," said the prime minister. "We don't want them to think more about money than their own lives and the risks they have to take.
"What the government will have to do is to lift the standard of life of all Thai people to a higher level."
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... l-to-33-fm
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54 Thais among 220 hostages held by Hamas: Israeli government
by THE NATION
October 26, 2023
More than half the estimated 220 hostages held by Palestinian group Hamas have foreign passports from 25 different countries, including 54 Thai nationals, the Israeli government said on Wednesday.
In providing updated figures, the government also said 328 people from 40 countries were confirmed as dead or missing after the surprise Oct. 7 attack by Hamas fighters on southern Israel. In all, an estimated 1,400 people were killed in the assault.
Israel said 138 of the hostages had foreign passports, including 15 Argentinians, 12 Germans, 12 Americans, six French and six Russians.
Many were believed to have had dual Israeli nationality, however, some, like the Thais and five Nepalese hostages, almost certainly did not. There was also one Chinese hostage, one Sri Lankan, two from Tanzania and two from the Philippines.
Thais also made up the largest single group of foreign dead and missing, with 24 confirmed killed and 21 unaccounted for.
Thailand is one of the largest sources of migrant workers in Israel, with around 30,000 working in the agriculture sector, according to government data.
Among other foreign nations that suffered heavy losses were the United States, with 34 killed and five missing, Ukraine, with 25 killed and two missing, France, with 23 killed and one missing, and Russia with 23 killed and four missing.
Five Chinese citizens were killed and one was missing, while Nepal had five killed and five missing.
https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... l/40032252
October 26, 2023
Two more Thai workers were reported killed in Israel, raising the Thai death toll in the Middle Eastern country from 31 on Wednesday to 33, Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara said on Thursday.
According to the ministry, 18 Thais have been injured in the fighting and the number of those known to have been taken hostage by Hamas fighters has dropped from 19 to 18.
Mr Parnpree, citing the Israeli authorities, said the identities of 24 of those reported killed have been confirmed.
The foreign minister said the government has continued to bring back Thais who have registered for repatriation, while negotiation teams have been dispatched to seek the release of more Thai hostages, with support from some countries acting as coordinators.
According to the Foreign Ministry, a total of 547 Thais were scheduled to be flown home from Israel on Thursday. They comprised 268 on El Al flight LY085 to Suvarnabhumi airport at 10.20 am, 145 on a Royal Thai Air Force aircraft arriving at Don Mueang airport at 11.50 am, and 134 on Lion Air flight SL7005 landing at Don Mueang airport at 2.50 pm.
The bodies of another seven Thais who died in Israel were to be repatriated on El Al flight LY083, scheduled to arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport at 10.35am.
Pairoj Chotikasathien, the labour permanent secretary, said so far 4,531 Thais have been repatriated from Israel on 27 flights.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also confirmed two more Thai casualties and ongoing negotiations for the release of those taken hostage by Hamas militants.
Addressing the House of Representatives on Thursday, Mr Srettha responded to inquiries about the government's actions to help Thai workers after the Israel-Hamas war broke out on Oct 7.
He said that out of about 8,000 Thais who registered for repatriation, more than half have been brought home, with some 4,000 awaiting evacuating flights.
The prime minister also acknowledged challenges in the past four to five days, as Israeli employers offered higher salaries as an incentive for Thai workers to remain in the war-torn country. To cope with this problem, the government is working on measures to help returned workers while contacting some countries that are willing to import Thai workers, offering a competitive pay, he said.
He said the labour minister has made a proposal for the workers who are still in debt from having to pay for brokerage fees to get a bank loan of about 150,000 baht each.
The government will ask the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to extend loans to the workers with debt problems, with a repayment period of 30 years and an interest of 0.1% per year, he said.
"The government is doing its best to bring the workers home as soon as possible," said the prime minister. "We don't want them to think more about money than their own lives and the risks they have to take.
"What the government will have to do is to lift the standard of life of all Thai people to a higher level."
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... l-to-33-fm
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54 Thais among 220 hostages held by Hamas: Israeli government
by THE NATION
October 26, 2023
More than half the estimated 220 hostages held by Palestinian group Hamas have foreign passports from 25 different countries, including 54 Thai nationals, the Israeli government said on Wednesday.
In providing updated figures, the government also said 328 people from 40 countries were confirmed as dead or missing after the surprise Oct. 7 attack by Hamas fighters on southern Israel. In all, an estimated 1,400 people were killed in the assault.
Israel said 138 of the hostages had foreign passports, including 15 Argentinians, 12 Germans, 12 Americans, six French and six Russians.
Many were believed to have had dual Israeli nationality, however, some, like the Thais and five Nepalese hostages, almost certainly did not. There was also one Chinese hostage, one Sri Lankan, two from Tanzania and two from the Philippines.
Thais also made up the largest single group of foreign dead and missing, with 24 confirmed killed and 21 unaccounted for.
Thailand is one of the largest sources of migrant workers in Israel, with around 30,000 working in the agriculture sector, according to government data.
Among other foreign nations that suffered heavy losses were the United States, with 34 killed and five missing, Ukraine, with 25 killed and two missing, France, with 23 killed and one missing, and Russia with 23 killed and four missing.
Five Chinese citizens were killed and one was missing, while Nepal had five killed and five missing.
https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... l/40032252