Following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, 31 Thai nationals were taken hostage, with five recently released. Thailand’s agricultural laborers have been significant in Israel since the late 1980s, driven by better wages and a bilateral agreement. Despite challenges such as poor working conditions, many Thais continue to seek employment in Israel, with the recent conflict prompting efforts to re-attract foreign workers through financial incentives.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, leading to the abduction of 31 Thai nationals. Recently, five of these hostages were released, with 23 already freed and two confirmed deceased. As per Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of 46 Thai individuals, including those lost in captivity.
The presence of Thai workers in Israel can be traced back to the 1987-1993 Palestinian uprising, when Israel began replacing Palestinian labor with migrant workers, primarily from Thailand. Currently, Thai nationals comprise the largest group of foreign agricultural workers in Israel, often earning significantly more than they do in their home country. A decade ago, Thailand and Israel instituted a bilateral agreement to facilitate this influx.
Despite the economic opportunities, Thai laborers face criticisms regarding their working conditions. Human Rights Watch reported in 2015 that many were placed in inadequate housing and earned below the legal minimum wage while enduring excessive working hours and unsafe environments. This concern remains as recent findings indicate that many still receive less than the mandated minimum pay.
Prior to the Hamas attack, around 30,000 Thai workers were employed in Israel, predominantly in agriculture. Following the assault, approximately 7,000 returned to Thailand, but favorable wage conditions have continued to draw new workers. The Thai ambassador noted that the current number of Thai workers in Israel has surpassed 38,000.
In response to the labor shortage following the evacuation of thousands, Israel’s Agriculture Ministry has introduced incentives aimed at encouraging foreign workers to return. These measures include extending work visas and offering bonuses of around $500 each month. Thailand’s Labor Ministry has authorized nearly 4,000 Thai workers to operate in Israel for 2024, maintaining Israel’s position as a top destination for Thai labor abroad.
Thai migrant workers predominantly originate from economically disadvantaged regions, particularly the northeast of Thailand. The high wages in Israel, even before recent bonuses, significantly exceed what many could earn domestically, making these jobs highly sought after.
The presence of Thai workers in Israel is largely due to historical labor demands and economic incentives. Despite facing challenging working conditions and a spike in casualties due to ongoing conflict, these workers continue to migrate to Israel in pursuit of better wages. Israel is actively trying to recover from labor shortages post-conflict by extending incentives to attract these workers back, underscoring the ongoing economic ties between Thailand and Israel.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
