Thailand Sends Workers Back to Israel After October 7 Attacks

For the first time since October 7, Thailand will resume sending agricultural workers to Israel on Sunday, according to the Thai Ministry of Labour. The ministry aims to send 10,000 labourers by the end of the year to help with Israel’s agricultural labor shortage.

Before October 7, Israel had around 30,000 Thai workers in farms, orchards, greenhouses, and packing plants. Many left after the war began, while others stayed in safer areas. Israeli workers were called for military duty, and Palestinian workers are currently banned due to security risks.

The Thai government has asked Israel to ensure the safety of Thai workers. During Hamas’s October 7 attacks, 39 Thai workers were killed, and 32 were taken hostage. Most hostages were freed during a temporary ceasefire in November, but six remain captive in Gaza.

Some Thai workers returned to Israel on their own, seeking better earnings. Israeli officials have approved a quota to import 92,000 foreign workers to fill gaps in agriculture, industry, hotels, and restaurants.

Since October 7, Hezbollah attacks have killed 22 Israelis and foreign nationals. Many growing areas near the Lebanese border are inaccessible, but residents of Gaza border areas are gradually returning. The labor shortage also affects farms in central Israel and the Jordan Valley.

At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on October 7. Of the 116 remaining hostages, more than 30 are believed dead.