Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn will travel to Israel next week to meet with his counterpart and Thais working there. He will also assess the current situation and reiterate to the Israeli side that Thai nationals should only be assigned to work in safe zones.
During his four-day official visit to Tel Aviv, starting May 26th, Pipat will meet with the Labour Minister as well as the Ministers of Agriculture and Interior. His talks are intended to increase the number of Thai nationals employed in Israel, as the country needs about 20,000 workers in the construction industry.
“If Thailand does not move now to enable its nationals to work in Israel, the country may recruit from other countries, with Thailand missing the opportunity,” he said.
He insisted, however, that Thai nationals should only work in green (safe) zones, not in higher risk areas.
He will also assess the living conditions of Thais already working in Israel and offer them moral support.
It is reported that six Thai workers are still being held hostage by Hamas, with 23 already released, following negotiations.
41 Thai nationals were killed during last year’s Hamas attack on southern Israel.
Photo: Smoke rises following Israeli airstrikes on Rafah on May 8.//AP
