July 16, 2025, 13.30 hours – Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, chaired a meeting to monitor the situation of Thai workers in Israel. Also in attendance were Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, and Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour. Mr. Pongkawin also held a video conference with Mr Kittithana Srisuriya, Labour Attaché at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv, joined by senior officials and relevant agencies at the Minister’s Conference Room, 6th Floor, Ministry of Labour.
Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, stated that due to the recent unrest in Israel, he remains deeply concerned for the well-being of Thai workers. Today’s discussions with the Labour Attaché and involved agencies confirmed that there is now a possibility to resume the deployment of Thai workers to Israel, following the Department of Employment’s decision to lift the suspension on all modes of labour deployment. He confirmed that Israel still has a demand for Thai workers, particularly in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Furthermore, Israel’s security authorities have officially declared the entire country a “white zone”, indicating safe conditions. Notably, Thai workers account for 98% of the agricultural labour force in Israel.
Mr. Pongkawin added that Israel’s minimum wage increases annually. In 2024, the minimum wage stood at 5,880 Israeli Shekels (approximately 58,000 Baht). As of April 1, 2025, the monthly rate has been raised to 6,240 Shekels (approximately 60,000 Baht) for 182 working hours, representing a 7% increase. This presents a valuable opportunity for Thai workers to return to “green zones” for employment. The Ministry is now expediting preparations for deployment, ensuring cautious planning and prioritising worker safety. The Minister expects that Thai workers will be able to return to Israel very soon.
“The prompt return of our Thai workers to green zones in Israel is crucial. This is a great opportunity for them to earn high wages, contribute to the Thai economy through remittances, and improve their overall quality of life,” Mr. Pongkawin said.
