A Thai national working in the Gaza Strip told Thai PBS by phone today (Sunday) that there are 36 of them sheltering in a bunker at their work place, living on instant noodles and water from the bathroom, as the water main has been damaged.

Udomporn Jampahom said that one of them, Chatri Chasri, a native of Nakhon Phanom province, was shot in the leg while others, including himself, fell flat on the floor when gunfire broke out following rocket bombardment.

He said his compatriots administered first-aid to Chatri and waited for help from medics, who were yet to arrive because ambulances cannot reach the area in which they had taken shelter.

Although they were in good spirits, Udomporn admitted that a number of them are concerned for their safety and want to return to Thailand because the rocket barrages are very intense, although they have experienced occasional attacks in the past.

For safety, he said he had to speak softly because he did not want to bother the other people, adding that they must remain in the bunker until it is safe to leave.

Udomporn said he has shared information with Thais living elsewhere in Israel and most of them say they needt help because the situation is dangerous.

Meanwhile, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said that the his ministry has received reports of one Thai being shot and a couple, Boonthom and his wife Sasiwan, both natives of Udon Thani, have been abducted with their whereabouts still unknown.

According to the ministry, there are about 29,900 Thais working in Israel, mostly in the towns of Netivot, Sderot and Ashkelo.