BANGKOK, Thailand – Four Thai workers were killed and one was injured in a rocket attack near Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday (Nov 1).
The incident occurred when the workers and their employer, who was also killed, entered a restricted military zone in Metula, a town on Israel’s northern frontier, after receiving brief permission from the Israeli military, the ministry said in a statement.
The deceased were identified as Akkaphon Wannasai from Udon Thani province, Prayad Pilasram from Buriram province, and Thana Tichantuk and Kaweesak Papanang, both from Nakhon Ratchasima province.
The injured worker, Chatchai Silprasert from Chaiyaphum province, is currently undergoing surgery at a hospital in Haifa.
“The Thai embassy has contacted all families of the deceased and injured,” said Nikorndej Balankura, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The bodies are undergoing autopsy procedures before death certificates can be issued and arrangements made for repatriation.
The embassy has urged Israeli authorities to prohibit employers from bringing Thai workers into closed military zones to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Thailand expressed deep concern over the escalating armed conflict in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, Lebanon, and surrounding areas. The country called for all parties to exercise maximum restraint in achieving a ceasefire agreement and the unconditional release of hostages, including remaining Thai nationals.
The incident comes amid ongoing tensions along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon following Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel and the subsequent military response. (TNA)
