On 29 April 2011, the Labour Affairs of the Thai Royal Embassy in Tel-Aviv visited Thai workers whose shelter was burnt, at Moshav Kfa Yedidiya. These workers are employed by Mr. Sammu Dudu in the business of vegetable cultivation and seedling distribution e.g. watermelons, cucumbers, eggplants, cantaloupes, salad vegetables, bell peppers, spring onions, cauliflowers etc.
The officials met 2 Thai workers: Mrs. Amnuay Fakwilai and Mr. Chaiyawut Leehuasa. According to the workers, the fire began while workers are working in the field which is very far from the accommodation, caused by garbage burn by people in the neighbourhood. The workers found out when they returned home, but by then all accommodation and properties were burnt down, including 22,500 Shekel cash saved up by the workers for building farmland in Thailand after their employment in Israel ends, as well as some agricultural equipments purchased by the workers to bring back to Thailand. After the incident, the employer undertook to provide necessary things for the workers e.g. clothes, beddings, TV, washing machine, and bicycles. The officials gave them some sport equipments and a national flag in order to boost the workers’ morale.
This business enterprise has 5 branches in different cities of Israel, employing 400 workers; 25 of them are Thai. Working time is 06.00 AM – 02.00 PM, and overtime work until 07.00 or 08.00 PM. The employer provides insecticide prevention tools for workers too. Farming area is approximately 1,250 rais. Produce are exported to foreign markets worldwide, including Japan, Germany, and USA.
