Hamas lead a Thai hostage to a Red Cross van in Gaza, on Thursday —AP

AP BANGKOK 

Five Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas since its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel were released Thursday. They were among 31 Thais taken by the militant group. So far, 23 have been freed, two confirmed dead, and the status of one remains unclear.

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that 46 Thais have been killed in the conflict, including the two who died in Hamas captivity. They were among tens of thousands of Thai workers in Israel’s agricultural sector.

Why are there so many Thais in Israel?

Israel relied on Palestinian workers until the First Intifada (1987-1993), after which it turned to migrant labor. Thais became the largest group of foreign farm workers, drawn by wages significantly higher than in Thailand. A bilateral agreement a decade ago streamlined their employment in Israeli agriculture.

Despite the financial draw, conditions for Thai workers have been criticized. A 2015 Human Rights Watch report highlighted substandard housing, wages below the legal minimum, excessive hours, and unsafe conditions. A watchdog group recently found many still earn below the legal minimum.

Before Hamas’s October 7 attack, about 30,000 Thais worked in Israel, mainly on farms. After the assault, around 7,000 returned home, mostly via government evacuation flights. However, Israel’s high wages continue to attract new arrivals.

Labor shortages and Incentives

Thailand’s ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, said Thursday that over 38,000 Thais are now working in Israel. To address labor shortages following the attack, Israel’s Agriculture Ministry introduced incentives, including extended visas and $500 monthly bonuses.

Thailand’s Labor Ministry has approved 3,966 more Thai workers for Israel in 2024, keeping it among the top destinations for Thais seeking work abroad. Most Thai migrants come from poorer regions, particularly the northeast, where even pre-bonus wages far exceed local earnings, making the risky journey to Israel an economic necessity despite ongoing conflict.