PUBLISHED : 26 Oct 2023 at 04:00
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said yesterday he was expecting good news from Israel in the wake of speculation that Thai workers could be among the next hostages released by Hamas.
Mr Srettha said he had not had a chance to speak in detail with Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara yet about the latest developments involving the Thai workers, but he had passed on word that “good news is coming”.
Mr Srettha was responding to questions as to whether Thai workers would be among the 50 hostages that some reports suggest may be released by Hamas, subject to the outcome of talks brokered by Qatar in which the terror group has demanded fuel, among other aid items, to be delivered to Gaza.
According to the Foreign Ministry, 19 Thais were among the more than 200 people abducted by the militant group when it attacked Israel on Oct 7. The prime minister said Mr Parnpree was doing his best to secure the release of those taken captive.
He also said there were positive signs that more Thai workers would be returning home from the conflict zone and the Finance Ministry was working on measures to help them after they arrive.
Earlier, Mr Srettha said several workers had changed their minds because some Israeli employers had postponed the payment of their salaries until Nov 10, while other employers had offered higher salaries to retain them.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry yesterday reported the death toll of Thais in Israel had increased from 30 to 31 while the number of injuries is static at 18.
Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman Kanchana Patarachok said yesterday the bodies of seven Thais would arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport today at 10.35am.
The ministry urged Thai nationals in Israel to consider evacuating, citing the possibility of prolonged violence, which could hamper future attempts to get them out. The ministry also advised Thais to postpone or avoid travelling to Israel for the time being.
So far, 4,296 Thai workers have been repatriated among the 8,478 registered Thais who wanted to return home, according to the ministry.
Kenika Ounjit, the government’s deputy spokeswoman, said the authorities were taking steps to assist the returnees and would help secure jobs for them in Israel after the situation de-escalates.
Citing comments by Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow, she said the ministry is considering a support programme for those who were employed in the farming sector in Israel.
The ministry plans to recruit them to provide knowledge and instruct on innovative farming techniques, especially in the field of water management.