The Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, Mr. Phumiphat Mueanchan, spoke about the progress in supporting Thai workers affected by the unrest in Israel. The Ministry of Labour has paid 50,000 Baht in aid under the relief project to 9,309 eligible people and their families out of the 9,384 applicants, representing 99.34 percent, for a total of 465,450,000 Baht. It has also paid money from the fund to help workers working abroad, from 9,892 people, from 11,101 people who applied, representing 97.93 percent, for a total of 144,270,000 Baht. The remaining documents are being processed and awaiting approval. In addition, those affected will receive financial assistance from the Israel National Insurance Institute. As for the latest figures, 41 Thai workers have died, and there are still six hostages being held. Of the people who died, 35 are entitled to receive financial assistance from the Social Security Fund. The Social Security Office has paid assistance of 1,367,860.70 Baht to the dependents. The Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, has urged all units to expedite the payment process or coordinate with those involved so that everything is in order within June.
The Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson said that the Labour Minister and delegation will travel to Israel from May 26 to 29, at the invitation of the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Thailand, to follow the situation. They will ask Israel to take care of the safety of Thai workers by working only in green areas and help expedite the payment of accrued wages or pisuim to Thai workers whose work contracts have expired and who have returned to Thailand from the war. They will also discuss increasing the quota of Thai workers in agriculture and establishing a Deposit Fund to provide security for agricultural workers whose contracts expire, including requesting the opportunity to send construction workers to work in Israel. The group will meet and discuss with the Minister of the Interior, the Minister of Labour, and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel, including representatives of the Israel Population and Immigration Office and Israeli employer companies as well.
“Last week, the Ministry of Labour announced the cancellation of the delay in sending Thai workers to work in the State of Israel. This is because the Israeli authorities have confidence in Thailand, and there is a demand for over 20,000 Thai workers. Thai workers also wish to work in Israel. The Labour Minister’s trip to Israel will be a great confirmation and confidence building for the Thai people. If there is any insecurity or any problems, they must be resolved quickly to protect and care for Thai workers as best as possible,” Mr. Phumiphat said.
