On January 30, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, spoke about the progress of 5 Thai workers released from hostage by Hamas in Israel. He said that he received a report from the Minister Counselor (on Labour) at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv. At 13.00 hours. Israeli time, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv released the names of the five Thai workers who were released in Khan Younis, as follows: 1) Mr. Watchara Sri-uan, 32 years old, native of Udon Thani Province; 2) Mr. Phongsak Tanna, 35 years old, native of Buriram Province; 3) Mr. Sathien Suwannakam, 34 years old, native of Nong Bua Lamphu Province; 4) Mr. Surasak Lamnao, 30 years old, native of Udon Thani Province; and 5) Mr. Bannawat Sae Tao, native of Nan Province. All of the workers have undergone initial medical assessments. All are safe, and their mental health is good. They can communicate normally and are currently en route to Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofe). The Israeli authorities have requested that they stay for at least seven days.
Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, spoke about the benefits that the five Thai workers will receive after being released. They include 1) Compensation from the Israel Insurance Institute, which the beneficiaries have already requested. 2) Severance pay for being laid off, or Pitzuim. For this, the Ministry of Labour has had the Labour Section at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv coordinate and follow up. 3) If they are members of the fund helping workers overseas, they will receive support for returning to their country due to war from the Department of Employment for 15,000 Baht. 4) Social security benefits. The five Thai workers who were released were previously insured and are therefore entitled to receive retirement benefits as follows: Mr. Watchara Sri-uan will receive 1,431.36 Baht, Mr. Phongsak Tanna will receive 10,982.02 Baht, Mr. Sathien Suwannakam will receive 53,058.65 Baht, Mr. Surasak Lamnao will receive 12,637.61 Baht, and Mr. Bannawat Sae-tao will receive 7,829.28 Baht. In addition, they will receive monthly compensation, annual assistance, quarterly assistance, and others.
“For operations in Thailand, I have instructed the agencies under the Ministry of Labour or the five Labour Leaders in the hometowns of the five released Thai workers to visit and give encouragement on behalf of the Minister of Labour, who is concerned about the families of the Thai workers affected by the conflicts in Israel. I will also provide information and coordinate and facilitate the various steps so that they can receive their entitlements as soon as possible. When the Thai workers arrive in Thailand, I and the executives of the Ministry of Labour will personally welcome them,” said Mr. Boonsong.
