Last week, the biggest news was the release of five Thai hostages by Hamas. For the past 15 months, their families had waited day and night for any word from them. This week, they will finally reunite with their loved ones.
However, we must not forget that the October 7 attack in Gaza killed 46 Thai workers. Before last week’s release, 31 other Thai hostages had been freed in November 2023.
Now that all but one hostage has returned, it is time for the Thai government to rethink its labor policies.
Thailand’s current economic model has failed to retain its workforce due to low wages and poor job quality. Each year, hundreds of thousands of young Thais seek employment abroad, mainly in Israel, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Middle East.
At the same time, Thailand attracts migrant workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.
Among these destinations, Israel is the most attractive due to its higher salaries, despite life-threatening risks.
Most Thai workers do not speak foreign languages or understand Middle Eastern politics, yet they often find themselves caught in deadly conflicts. Their only goal is to earn money to support their families.
When the Gaza conflict began, the Thai government evacuated 9,000 workers. Yet within months, many returned to Israel because they had no choice—they needed to pay off debts and rebuild their savings.
The government’s welfare and job replacement programs were short-term and inadequate.
The Thai government must urgently review labor agreements with all countries employing Thai workers, prioritizing their safety and welfare.
In today's shifting political and economic climate, it is too easy for foreign employers to exploit Thai workers under various pretexts, including visa restrictions.
To address this, all Thai workers should complete orientation programs tailored to their destination countries. The employment process must be transparent and accountable, and the Ministry of Labor must take full responsibility for Thai workers' well-being overseas.
For example, those working in Israel should learn basic Hebrew and gain a broad understanding of the Middle East. Expecting laborers to study English as an alternative is unrealistic.
The government must also ensure that Thai workers are not sent to dangerous areas, as has happened in the past. Achieving this requires cooperation from the Israeli government and employers.
In South Korea, workers need basic Korean language training. Many overstayers who became victims of labor exploitation lacked proficiency in the local language.
By contrast, Filipino workers, who generally speak English, receive better wages and benefits—something the Philippine government has successfully negotiated.
Today, at least 10 million Filipinos work overseas under stronger labor protections. With only half a million overseas workers, Thailand should be able to do better.
In light of the Gaza crisis, the Thai government must also push foreign employers to contribute to worker welfare funds in various forms, ensuring financial assistance during crises. In the Middle East, conflicts can erupt at any time.
Finally, the government must reduce registration fees and provide financial support for prospective workers.
Currently, many Thai laborers must take out loans or save significant sums to secure jobs abroad, leaving them vulnerable to fraudulent employment schemes and labor abuse. The government must act quickly to ease these financial burdens.
Thai workers are the unsung heroes of the economy. Their remittances drive national growth, support their families, and provide economic stability—something the government itself has failed to do.
The next time Thai workers leave for jobs abroad, the government must recognize their sacrifices and ensure their rights and well-being are fully protected.
