On 26 March 2011, Labour Affairs officers traveled to call on Thai workers in Kibutz Benjamina at agriculture farm of Sammi Kuan, Mr. Valit and Mr. Sa’id. Mr. Sammi Kuan’s farm is a prototype farm with 4 Thai workers employed. The workers said there have been other nationalities employed as well namely, Germany, Swedish, Swiss, and Russian, etc. Those Thai workers work in orange and grape farm only. The prototype farm plants temperate vegetables such as German cabbage, carrot, beetroot, etc. Those Thai workers earn approximately 4,500 shekel a month and send their salary to their family no less than 2,000 shekel. They can ask for advance payment not over 2,500 shekel/ month.
In addition, people in Kitbutz will share food which is bread, fruit jam, cooked for Shabbat Day to the workers on every Thursday. On holiday, the workers will work for extra payment of 35 shekel/hour by mowing, sweeping leaves. They all have a good living condition. Those Thai workers were sent to work by Economic Recruitment Company. Currently, Shani O.D.E.(2011) Ltd., Israel employment company, is a coordinator for Thai workers and employer. As part of Mr. Valid and Mr. Sa’id’s business, it is fruit farm growing several kinds of fruits such as apricot, peach, plum, etc. for selling in the country and exporting to other countries. There are 5 Thai workers and 4 Arab workers employed. The employers provide them separated accommodation. They earn net salary approximately 3,600 shekel without overtime payment. Those workers therefore earn extra income by mowing for people in Kitbutz. The workers were sent to work by Photinan Recruitment Company. At present, Shani O.D.E.(2011) Ltd, the Israel Recruitment Company, is a coordinator for the workers and employers. According to the visit of both farms, it is found that Thai workers have a good living condition and receiving an income at average of workers in agricultural sector in Israel in pursuant to the law.
