Ministry warns Thais against Israel jobs for now

The first group of 309 Thai workers to return to Israel since the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked the country last year before their flight left Suvarnabhumi Airport on June 25. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
309 Thai staff were the first team to fly back to Israel since the Arab militant group Hamas attacked the nation a month prior to their departure from Suvarnabhumi Airport on June 25. ( Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)

In response to the rising tensions in the region following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Iran, the Ministry of Labour ( ML) is advising Thai workers who intend to work in Israel or Lebanon to postpone their travel plans until further notice.

The warning came in a letter signed by Somchai Morakotsriwan, director-general of the Department of Employment ( DoE ) and sent to all provincial governors on Friday.

Mr. Somchai cited the most recent assessment of the safety position in Israel and Lebanon that the Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Office of Labour Affairs in Tehran conducted.

According to the warning letter, which requested provincial governors to switch the warning information to Indian workers who planned to work in either Israel or Lebanon, the situation is teetering toward an increase in violence since the assassination on July 31.

The email stated that the warning has been in effect since Thursday and will remain in effect until further notice.

The statement about the escalating tensions in Israel and Lebanon was received on Saturday by Phumiphat Mueanchan, a MoL official.

According to Mr. Phumiphat, the MoL has decided to ask all Thai employees who work in Israel or Lebanon to prolong their travel plans until further notice in light of this statement.

He claimed that this year the MoL would send 100, 000 Thai employees abroad to take part in labor teamwork initiatives with other nations.

Thus far, 77, 918 citizens have travelled to work overseas under this year’s program, accounting for 77.92 % of the total.

Thailand and South Korea have signed a two-year memorandum of understanding ( MoU), which shortens the time it takes for Thai employees to wait after one work contract expires and before another work contract can begin.

Thai workers who work in South Korea are also eligible for more gains under the MoU, he said, if a natural disaster strikes them.

So far, it has been estimated that 8, 688 Thai employees have travelled to operate in South Korea under this arrangement, 3, 888 more folks than in the same period last year, he said.