Photo: A pro-Palestinian protester holds a "Ceasefire Now" sign as people rally in support of Gaza and Lebanon in front of the City Hall to mark one year of the war between Hamas and Israel in Orlando, Florida, on October 5.//AFP
Many Thai workers continue to work in Israel, despite the attack that prompted about 10,000 to seek help in returning home. Those who returned to Thailand faced financial difficulties, and some even went back to Israel for work, despite the ongoing danger.
While the Thai government provided some assistance, it wasn’t enough to meet their needs. Many borrowed money, sold their land, and even their homes, to secure jobs in Israel.
The government’s relationship with Israel remains strong, and many Thai workers return due to the higher wages, despite the risks to their lives.
The government has consistently warned workers of the dangers, but they have few other options. The war between Hamas and Israel shows no signs of ending.
Now, the conflict has expanded to Lebanon. Israeli soldiers have already killed many innocent people. Thailand must do more to support its overseas workers.
The Ministry of Labor should better prepare them with skills, language and cultural training. Most importantly, the government should seek increased work opportunities in countries like South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.
Workers from the Philippines and Indonesia seem to have better wages and protection programs, with their governments actively supporting their citizens abroad. Their governments depend on these workers’ votes.
In truth, the Pheu Thai government has not focused enough on the problems faced by these workers, despite its promises to protect Thai workers and citizens overseas.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra should form a committee to study these issues, as Thai workers are vital to the country’s economy, remitting hundreds of billions of baht annually. Over 350,000 Thais are working abroad to earn their living.
In response to the Gaza crisis, Thailand and other nations have called for a ceasefire and increased aid for affected civilians, but so far, these efforts have been fruitless as the warring parties continue to believe they can win the conflict.
Asean has also expressed concern, as its citizens work in various Middle Eastern countries. At next week’s Asean-related summits, this issue will top the agenda of discussions.
The ongoing conflict has already claimed more than 41,000 Palestinian lives and over 1,200 Israeli lives, mostly civilians. Around 250 people were taken captive in Gaza, nearly half of whom have been released or killed.
All concerned parties are working towards a ceasefire, though it remains elusive. Israel is determined to eliminate Hezbollah leaders living in densely populated areas of Lebanon, regardless of the collateral damage to civilians.
Tel Aviv must show restraint by not using indiscriminate force, as its airstrikes have done. So far, the international community has condemned Israel's military actions. Still, these condemnations have had little effect, as the US, Israel's primary backer, has not applied sufficient pressure on its key ally.
Until peace is achieved, the lives of hostages, including Thai workers and others, remain at risk.
