Thai Workers in Israel and Iran: What You Need to Know
Thailand halts June dispatch of approximately 2,000 laborers towards Israel and Iran.
Amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn addressed concerns surrounding Thai nationals working in these countries. Here's what's happening:
Current Workforce
As of now, approximately 39,500 Thai citizens reside and work in Israel, with around 33,000 legally employed and roughly 6,500 working without proper documentation. In Iran, between 200 and 300 Thai nationals make their home, of whom 39 have officially registered as workers.
Most Thai workers in Israel are employed in agriculture (about 29,300), followed by 2,500 in construction, and 1,200 scattered across other industries. The whereabouts of all Thai nationals in Israel and Iran are currently being verified.
Temporary Suspension
In an effort to ensure the safety of its citizens, the Thai Labour Ministry has paused additional workforce deployments to Israel and Iran. This suspension covers a planned dispatch of over 2,000 workers scheduled for June.
Emergency Evacuation Preparations
To prepare for a potential emergency evacuation, a special task force has been set up in 16 locations across Israel. The quickest way to evacuate workers would be overland through Jordan, while air evacuation is currently unfeasible due to airspace closures. Sea evacuation is also under consideration, though it would take over 10 hours.
The government has established a "war room" for around-the-clock monitoring, continuously coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for immediate support as needed. An emergency fund has been set aside to help Thai nationals in need.
Warning and Guidance
Violence in the region is escalating, and it's impossible to predict when hostilities may cease. Thai citizens should stay in designated safe areas and seek shelter immediately if sirens sound. It's crucial not to take pictures or record videos in dangerous areas, as shrapnel may cause serious injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the current status of Thai workers in Israel and Iran?
All Thai workers are reported safe at present, with no injuries or fatalities to be reported.
Why has the Thai Labour Ministry temporarily halted deployments to Israel and Iran?
To minimize the risk to Thai nationals in light of the tense situation between Israel and Iran.
What measures are being taken for the safe evacuation of Thai workers?
The Thai Labour Ministry is preparing evacuation routes, primarily by land through Jordan, and has established a special task force to coordinate efforts.
Is air transport an option for evacuation?
Currently, air evacuation is not viable due to airspace restrictions. However, discussions are ongoing for future air evacuations if circumstances permit.
How can Thai citizens stay updated on the situation and communicate with Thai embassies in crisis?
Thai citizens are encouraged to access credible news sources and use the Thai Consular mobile application for quick communication with Thai embassies.
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- The escalating tensions between war-and-conflicts such as Israel and Iran have prompted concerns about the safety of Thai workers laboring in those countries, particularly in the sectors of agriculture, construction, and other industries.
- The economy is impacted as the Thai Labour Ministry has temporarily suspended deployments of new workers to Israel and Iran, affecting businesses that rely on foreign labor.
- In an effort to keep abreast of the growing crisis, Thai citizens are urged to stay informed about general news and political developments in the region, such as the digital attacks on Thai websites by hackers from other nations, while also monitoring updates on scam activity and the nation's pharmaceutical industry.
