In light of the recent tragic incidents in Israel, the death count of Thai citizens has now escalated to an alarming 28. This situation has urged the government to kick into gear their repatriation process, which is set to move at an accelerated pace, aiming to return more Thai citizens safely to their home soil.
The plan was outlined earlier today at an urgent meeting held at the SC Park Hotel situated on Praditmanutham Road. Labour Minister Piphath Ratchakitprakarn elucidated the plan after graciously welcoming home 90 Thai workers from Israel. Another 137 citizens are expected to arrive tomorrow between the early morning hours of 5am and 6am via an Air Force plane that will land at Don Mueang Airport. Citizens will also be returned on various commercial flights, depending on ticket availability.
Piphath has urged those returning home to retain their flight border passes as the government prepares to reimburse these costs in due time. With an ever-increasing concern from Prime Minister Settha Thaweesin about securing more planes, beyond the currently planned Nok Air, AirAsia, Thai Airways flights and the airforce plane, these additional flights will each accommodate up to 200 passengers.
Previously during the dash to the safety bunkers, there was a mishap with lost passports. To solve this issue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set out to prepare a back-up of 8,000 passports, to be shipped home by an Air Force plane to ensure that all Thai citizens can make a safe return.
Originally only 200 citizens could be repatriated daily, but with swift efficiency, roughly 400 Thai workers can expect to return daily within the next three to four days. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and an additional team of five from the Ministry of Labour, will be dispatched to expedite the process, ensuring that safe repatriation of every citizen is achieved, set ideally by early next month.
The Ministry of Labour has pledged its commitment to help Thai workers who have not yet completed their contracts and have returned prematurely due to the situation. They will liaise with foreign employers and agencies in Israel and in case the situation stabilizes and individuals wish to return to their previous jobs, their requests will be supported.
However, individuals not keen on returning to Israel are advised to voice their intentions, enabling the Ministry of Labour to find them new employment opportunities in other countries. The uncertainty about salary increments cannot be clarified currently. Unregistered workers who feel unsafe are advised to report themselves to the Ministry. In the meantime, everyone is urged to remain safe, staying updated with the Israeli Government’s periodic announcements.
As for the deceased, Israel will honor their sacrifice by providing their widows with a monthly allowance of about 35,000 baht (US$ 964) until they remarry or find a new spouse, and their children will receive a monthly allowance of 11,000 baht (US$ 303) until they turn 18. Injured Thai workers will receive compensation of 15,000 baht (US$ 413), while families of the deceased can expect 40,000 baht (US$ 1,101) plus an additional 40,000 baht towards funeral expenses.
In order to address queries about reemployment abroad, the Labour Ministry has reassured all citizens that they can expect support in finding employment abroad once the situation settles. The Minister has highlighted the understanding about financial obligations owed by workers and has reassured them that they will be supported if they want to work abroad. The citizens are encouraged to report their ambitions to the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour.
To ensure smooth coordination, Deputy Chairman of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, Paetongtarn Shinawatra has urged citizens to communicate any travel inconveniences or other issues encountered upon arriving home. The Ministry of Labour stands ready to provide any necessary support.
Lastly, Justice Minister Thawi Sodsong extended his deepest condolences to the Thai workers, acknowledging the loss of 28 precious lives and nearly 20 injuries. Sodsong emphasized the government’s top priority being the safe and speedy repatriation of all Thai workers. He also assured citizens concerning their debts, as many had to resort to loans to secure foreign employment opportunities. He promised to address this issue with fairness, putting a spotlight on non-systematic debt particularly.
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