Exodus of Thai Workers From Israel After Hamas Terrorist Attacks

• A total of 4,771 Thai citizens have led Israel since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist rampage.
• The Thai government said that 18 of its citizens remain hostages somewhere in Gaza.
• An estimated 30,000 Thai workers labored in Israel’s food industry prior to the latest war.

An exodus of Thai citizens has been underway for nearly three weeks in Israel, after dozens of Thai farm workers were gunned down in the October 7 Hamas attack, and 18 Thais were abducted into Gaza. Those abducted remain in unknown conditions with many other foreigners and Israelis.

Commercial flights have evacuated 4,771 Thai citizens from Israel as of Friday, according to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has recommended its citizens return home as Israel’s military and Hamas attack each other ahead of a looming Israeli ground offensive. These workers’ departures may have a sizable impact on Israel’s food industry. Many Thai workers, and some students, have opted to stay for now amid reports that some Israeli employers have increased their pay, according to the Bangkok Post.

Thirty-three Thai people died in the Oct. 7 terrorist rampage that left an estimated 1,400 people dead, and the Thai government said Friday that 18 remain hostages somewhere in Gaza after consultations with Israel, which disputed a higher count of 54 released days before. The latest estimate still makes Thailand one of the largest groups of foreigners among the 224 people suspected of being taken hostage; US officials, for example, fear 10 missing Americans may be hostages. Young children, including a 9-month-baby, and elderly grandparents are among those being held hostage.

Thailand’s government has continued negotiations seeking the release of the hostages, including a reported effort to do so in Tehran; the Iranian regime supports Hamas with weapons and money along with other militant groups in the Middle East.

Families of the Thai citizens held hostage have struggled to get word about their loved ones, similar to their counterparts in other countries, and have pleaded for their release.

An estimated 30,000 Thai workers have labored in Israel’s fields of crops like wheat and its fruit groves as part of an agreement between the countries.