On 3 May 2017 at 14.00 (local time in Israel), Labour Minister General Sirichai Distakul and committee visited Thai workers in central Israel, giving an address to Thai workers who are mostly workers in the agricultural industry. The Labour Minister took the opportunity to speak with employers and employees on protecting Thai worker’s rights in Israel.
Thirty-nine year old Mr. Malai Mapueng from Nakhon Phanom, 1 of 3 Thai workers at a strawberry farm in Moshav Petahya said that he had heard of the job from the Nakhon Phanom Employment Office and applied 3 years ago. He said he was being paid fairly and that the farm had integrated advanced technology which gave him deep insight and ideas to adapt the technology in Thailand.
Mr. Kittisak Chatkate, a 33-year old from Udon Thani said that he had been working in a grape farm for 5 years already and was planning to return to Thailand soon upon completion of his employment contract. He proposed the Ministry of Labour prepare a medical team to cater to Thai workers annually and advised future Thai workers in Israel to be tolerant of the heat and dryness in Israel which is vastly different to Thailand.
The Ministry of Labour added that the government was determined to improve the quality of living for Thai workers abroad and ensure fair compensation and protection. The ministry will also prepare a medical team for health examinations and coordinate with different units which will benefit both parties.
The Labour Minister and committee also visited Thai workers at Moshav Arugot strawberry farm in Moshav Petahia and grape farm in Moshav Lakhish, giving sports equipment to the workers to promote exercise and wellbeing.
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Spokesperson and Publication Sub-Division/Bureau of Public Relations /
Rapatsa Panikul– News/Sompob Silbut – Photos/ 4 May 2017
