June 16, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, together with Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, and senior officials from the Ministry, announced that due to escalating tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Iran, the Ministry of Labour has been closely monitoring the situation under directives from Prime Minister Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The Ministry’s highest priority is ensuring the absolute safety of all Thai workers in the affected areas.
Mr. Phiphat confirmed that Thai workers in both Israel and Iran are currently safe. There have been no reports of injuries or fatalities. The Ministry of Labour has been able to establish contact with all Thai workers and will continue monitoring the situation around the clock to provide immediate assistance if necessary.
As for the status of Thai workers in Israel, the latest data indicates a total of approximately 39,500 Thai workers, comprising around 33,000 legal workers and 6,500 undocumented workers. Their main occupations are agriculture (29,300 workers), construction (2,500 workers), and other industries (1,200 workers). The Ministry has also suspended further deployment of additional workers to Israel. In Iran, approximately 250 to 300 Thai nationals reside either permanently or temporarily, including about 39 registered Thai workers, most of whom are based in Tehran and Isfahan. At present, there have been no reports of Thai workers being affected or located in danger zones.
Mr. Phiphat added that in order to manage the situation and protect the safety of Thai workers, the Ministry of Labour has implemented stringent measures. In Israel, the Ministry is coordinating with the Population, Immigration, and Border Authority (PIBA). It has established 16 special task force units across the country to receive reports and provide immediate assistance. Additionally, cooperation has been sought from employers to establish Safe Zones, and emergency evacuation plans have been developed in case of escalation. Furthermore, the Ministry has authorized staff to work from home near shelters and has activated hotline 1506, which is available 24/7 for relatives of Thai workers to make inquiries.
Regarding Iran, the Ministry of Labour has issued an official advisory to Thai workers and is coordinating with the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Communication channels have been opened through LINE, WhatsApp, and Facebook, enabling workers to report their status quickly.
Moreover, the Ministry of Labour has developed a proactive emergency response plan, including verifying the location of all workers, assessing high-risk areas based on real-time updates from the embassy, coordinating with employers to establish Safe Zones, training workers in equipment use and evacuation procedures, maintaining open emergency communication channels 24/7, and preparing land and air evacuation plans, particularly land routes to neighboring countries such as Jordan, and liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare for air evacuation if necessary.
Mr. Phiphat also revealed that meetings have been held with Labour Attachés in Tel Aviv and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to assess the situation directly. He reaffirmed that all workers are safe, have access to food and drinking water, and are being well cared for by Israeli authorities, with close cooperation in communication systems and emergency preparedness plans.
“The Prime Minister has expressed deep concern for our fellow Thai workers. Please rest assured that the Thai government will not neglect any situation affecting the safety of Thai nationals abroad. The Ministry of Labour will stand by and be ready to provide immediate assistance in the event of any emergency,” Mr. Phiphat concluded.
