August 21, 2026 – Mr. Julapun Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, provided an update on the condition of six Thai workers injured in a residual bomb explosion in the town of Metula, Israel, on August 18. The Ministry of Labour continues to closely monitor the situation and the condition of the injured workers, whilst coordinating with relevant agencies in Israel to ensure that the workers receive appropriate treatment and assistance. Workers and their families are assured that the Ministry of Labour will follow up and address this matter fully.
Most recently, on August 20, 2026, at 17:00 hours, the Labour Section and Consular Section of the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv travelled to Ziv Medical Center in Safed to discuss and receive details of the medical treatment from the hospital’s team of doctors, nurses, and staff, as well as to visit the workers receiving treatment. The hospital confirmed that it will provide the best possible care by its specialist medical and nursing team.
Regarding the condition of all six workers, the 2 workers who were severely injured, Mr. Wirawut Waengwong and Mr. Aree Panyathong, are in stable condition with overall improvement and remain under close medical supervision. Mr. Wirawut is in the process of planning further surgery following the medical team’s treatment plan, and the doctors have confirmed that the injuries have not affected the spinal cord or brain, which is positive news.
Another worker, Mr. Sonrit Choedram, who sustained moderate injuries, has improved considerably. He can communicate normally, has no cause for concern, and experiences only minor wound pain when moving. The three workers who sustained minor injuries, Mr. Thanawat Sangklang, Mr. Thitwaret Samartkij, and Mr. Jiraphong Swatrak, have been discharged from the hospital and have returned to their accommodations, with no issues of concern.
Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, stated that he has instructed provincial labour offices in the home provinces of the injured workers to visit their families in person and closely follow up on the situation, providing coordinated assistance to the families to assure them that the Ministry of Labour will not abandon Thai workers or their families. Continuous coordination with the Labour Section and the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv will ensure that families are kept promptly informed of developments in the workers’ condition and treatment.
The Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Labour Section have already notified the families of the workers’ progress and will continue to monitor the condition of all six workers, particularly those still receiving treatment, to ensure they receive the best possible care going forward.
