Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has confirmed the government’s ongoing efforts to assist Thai hostages held in Gaza since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7. Dismissing rumors of abandonment, he stated that further hostage releases are contingent on the next ceasefire.
Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said earlier that eight or nine Thai nationals could still be held hostage by Hamas.
The Ministry of Labor is also negotiating with various countries to employ Thai workers from Israel in their agricultural sectors, with South Korea as a potential destination. Israel has requested Thai workers to continue their employment, extending contracts for another year for those with five-year agreements.
Financially, the Thai government has provided 15,000 baht to each returning worker and is planning further compensation, including a 50,000 baht additional payment and a proposal for a three-year debt suspension. (NNT)
