From the Thai province of Nakhon Phanom, Natenapha Homsorn shows an image on her mobile phone depicting her younger brother Srettha, a 38-year-old Thai citizen working in Israel, who was kidnapped during a Hamas raid on their encampment on October 7. The camp sheltered eleven Thai workers, with five of them captured in the raid. Two, however, managed to make a successful escape as three more, including Srettha, were taken by the attackers. (Photo: Pattanapong Sripiachai)
The aftermath of the Hamas attacks in Israel has seen the death toll rise to 20, the injury toll pegged at 13, with an additional 14 Thai workers reported missing, according to Kanchana Patarachoke, the Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Reports state that the fighting continues, particularly in areas close to the Gaza Strip, with casualties reported from both camps.
Kanchana reported an increase in the death toll with two more Thai workers losing their lives due to a rocket attack, while four more Thai citizens found themselves injured. Reports were received of three additional Thai citizens being kidnapped, making a total of 14 missing Thai workers.
Despite speculations that some of the 14 recently rescued hostages were Thai citizens, a comprehensive check by the Thai embassy revealed that there were no kidnapped Thai individuals amongst the rescued. Kanchana noted that of the estimated 30,000 Thai residents in Israel, about 5,019 expressed their wish to return to Thailand, while 61 confirmed their decision to stay put.
Regarding the issue of evacuation, Kanchana confirmed that the first batch of 15 Thai individuals was scheduled to arrive in Thailand by 10.35 am on the following Thursday. Anticipating the evacuation of Thai citizens, authorities pre-booked 80 seats on commercial and air force flights set for October 18. The relevant authorities sought approvals from multiple countries to traverse their airspace.
In Nakhon Phanom, there exists increasing concern for the fate of over 330 workers who have suddenly become unreachable. The local employment office has recorded that around 2,100 individuals from the province are currently employed in Israel.
Natenapha, a resident of Ban Nong Doen Pattana, in tambon Ban Pheung of Muang district, narrated how all three of her younger brothers were employed in Israel. Her brother, Anuwat, reported through a Facebook video call about a raid by Hamas gunmen on the labor camp on October 7. As a result of the attack, three Thai individuals including Anuwat’s brother Srettha were abducted. The family lives in dread for Srettha’s safety.
In Khon Kaen, the family of a worker critically injured in the Hamas attack resorted to traditional prayers by the roadside near their house, petitioning their ancestors and local deities for protection and fortune. Phadung Budmo, 26, was shot twice in the back during the attack on his labor camp. He was subsequently transferred to a hospital by Israeli soldiers. His girlfriend, Suphatra Asanok, expressed her gratitude to everyone who aided her boyfriend, especially an interpreter known only as Jaem.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Thai ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, met with Thai workers in a village near the city of Herzliya. During the meeting, she discussed the repatriation process, which is set to begin with those from high-risk areas. She assured the workers that travel documents will be promptly issued for those without passports, ensuring a smooth journey back to Thailand and guaranteeing the safe repatriation of Thai nationals in the Middle Eastern country. (Video: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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