June 11, 2025, 14.00 hours – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour assigned Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, and Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, to represent the Ministry of Labour in receiving the body of the last deceased Thai hostage from the conflict in Israel. The delegation also laid a wreath in tribute. The event was attended by Ms. Chayika Wongnapachan, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Devora Dorsman Yarkoni, Deputy Chief of Mission, Israeli Embassy, and senior officials from the Ministry of Labour, held at the Suvarnabhumi Airport cargo terminal in Samut Prakan Province.
Mr. Aree Krainara, the Secretariat to the Labour Minister, said that Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, had assigned him, along with the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour and senior executives from all agencies under the Ministry of Labour, to represent the ministry in receiving the Thai worker’s body, repatriated by the Thai Embassy and arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 14.00 hours. A wreath from the Minister of Labour was also presented to express condolences.
Mr. Aree added that on June 9, the Ministry of Labour, represented by the five labour leaders in Phrae Province, the hometown of the deceased, had visited the family to explain the benefits available to them and assist with necessary procedures and documentation to expedite the process. Additionally, once the body arrives in Phrae Province today, the local five labour leaders will receive it, facilitate arrangements, and present wreaths on behalf of Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, and Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of Labour at the funeral. They will also attend the prayer services as ministry representatives.
Regarding assistance and compensation for Mr. Natthapong Pinta, the Thai worker from Phrae Province who was taken hostage and killed in the Israeli conflict in October 2023, the benefits for the heirs are as follows:
1) Israel National Insurance Institute: The heirs have already received initial compensation as a hostage case. Upon confirmation of death, this will be converted to death benefits, including funeral expenses of approximately 79,000 Baht, burial expenses of up to 47,000 Baht (1,300 USD), widow’s allowance (if applicable) of approximately 57,000 Baht monthly and annual compensation (subject to the institute’s decision).
2) Overseas Employment Assistance Fund, Department of Employment: A lump sum of 40,000 Baht and actual funeral expenses abroad up to 40,000 Baht (documentation under review).
3) Social Security Fund: As the deceased was a former insured person, the family will receive an old-age benefit of 64,202.18 Baht (excluding interest).
4) Outstanding wages/termination compensation (Pitzuim): Currently being pursued by the Labour Attaché at the Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv.
“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the relatives and family of our fellow Thai worker. The Ministry of Labour, under Minister Phiphat’s leadership, will ensure that all entitled benefits are delivered swiftly and in full accordance with the law. For Thai workers planning to work abroad, please report to the Employment Checkpoint before departure so that the ministry can monitor and protect their rights and help prevent such unfortunate incidents. For assistance, call the Labour Ministry hotline at 1506,” concluded Mr. Aree. As of the October 7, 2023, Israeli conflict, there have been 42 Thai fatalities, with 40 bodies now repatriated (including today’s), 22 injured (19 returned to Thailand, 3 recovered and still working in Israel), and 31 former hostages (28 safely returned, two confirmed dead but bodies not yet recovered). Mr. Natthapong Pinta, from Phrae, was among those hostages; his body was located and repatriated today. Currently, approximately 40,000 Thai workers remain in Israel, comprising 34,000 legal workers, mainly in agriculture (30,000), construction (2,000), industry (500), and chefs/cooks (300). The Department of Employment continues to send about 1,200 Thai workers per month to work in Israel.
