Feeling the way of emotional turmoil with a lurking shadow of desolation and shock, Kittiphong Chaiko, a courageous Thai migrant worker hailing from Nong Bua Lamphu made a safe return to his home country, Thailand, after surviving a gruesome terrorist onslaught orchestrated by the notorious political faction – Hamas in Israel. The chilling echos of the lost lives of his fellow colleagues still resided in his consciousness, making each thought more weighty and stirring than the previous one.
Touching down at the bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport at exactly 12.20pm today, Kittiphong made it absolutely clear that he has no intentions of going back to Israel. This decision most likely stems from the haunted memories of his workplace, now in shambles in the wake of the terrible attack. The tragic unveiling of the event left him in a state where he’s at a loss for words, unable to express the horror he went through. The sad confirmation of the untimely demise of two to three members of his Thai crew added to his distress.
The moment Kittiphong set foot on Thai soil, he was revered with a profound traditional gesture by his aging father – the sacred act of tying a string around the wrist. This ancient practice, deep-rooted in Thai tradition, is aimed at calling back one’s spirit, offering divine protection to those who have been through wounding experiences.
Upon landing back to his homeland’s embrace, Kittiphong breathed a sigh of relief, confessing his inner sentiment that he might never get to see his native land again. At present, he is too mentally contorted by the dreaded event to delve into its details or even contemplate on his future prospects.
The narrative takes an additional somber turn with the heartbreaking tale of another Thai laborer, Call him ‘Ball,’ amid these terror-laced times. Ball, who had signed up for a contract spanning five years and three months, found himself caught in the crossfire merely five months into it. Fear-ridden and overwhelmed by the intimidating violent groups that surrounded the area, he was forced to consider evacuation – a decision that hinged on the question of survival itself.
Giving an account of his ordeal, Ball says, “From this point on, I just want to head back home, take some time to regain mental peace and clear my mind of this horrific incident. The event has thrown me into a vortex of stress, coupled with mounting financial burdens. My wife had to part with the last piece of our savings to get me a plane ticket as she was overwhelmed with worry and couldn’t stand the idea of me staying there.”
While another survivor shared his account stating that his employer generously arranged for his flight ticket, as his contractual period had already ended. Eager to reunite with their loved ones, their immediate plan upon reaching Thailand was to rush back to their families. Their brave but disturbing tales emphatically bring to light the hidden perils overseas workers are exposed to and underscore the dire need for safeguarding mechanisms and supporting measures that are essential for their protection.
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