Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, has expressed concern for Thai workers in Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with indications that the conflict may intensify and expand, potentially affecting their safety and welfare.
Ms. Trinuch stated that she has instructed the Labour Offices at the Royal Thai Embassies in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Tel Aviv, Israel, to monitor the situation and prepare to assist Thai workers closely should it escalate and affect them.
“At present, the labour offices have coordinated with Thai workers to increase caution in their travel and remain in constant contact with Thai worker groups. If the situation escalates to the point where evacuation becomes necessary, it can be carried out immediately,” Ms. Trinuch said, adding that Thai workers have also been advised to closely follow updates from the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran, the Labour Office in Abu Dhabi, and relevant Iranian authorities.
Thai workers in Iran who require assistance may contact the Labour Office at the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi via telephone at (+971) 2557 6833, or the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran at (+98) 912 500 7933 or (+98) 912 159 8699. They may also contact the Department of Consular Affairs Call Centre at (+66) 2 572 8442 (24 hours) or seek assistance through the THAI CONSULAR application.
For Thai nationals affected in Israel, they may contact the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv at (+972) 5 4636 8150, the Thai Labour Office at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv at (+972) 5 4469 3476–7, or coordinate through PIBA (with Thai interpreters available) at 1-700-707-889.
“Families of Thai workers abroad should not panic. Please be assured that the Thai government, including the embassies and the Ministry of Labour, will provide the best possible protection and support. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and Thai workers are urged to follow the safety measures issued by the authorities strictly,” Ms. Trinuch said.
Ms. Trinuch added that she has instructed Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, is to establish a war room at the Ministry of Labour (5th Floor) to monitor the situation and coordinate assistance for Thai workers in the Middle East, with support available 24 hours a day, should the situation escalate to the point of evacuation. In addition, the Ministry of Labour has coordinated discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the temporary suspension of the deployment of Thai workers to high-risk areas in the Middle East. The Permanent Secretary of Labour has reported that both sides have agreed to suspend the dispatch of Thai workers for the time being.
