Bangkok: The Permanent Secretary of Labour has announced that over 80,000 Thai workers in high-risk areas of the Middle East are currently safe, with no injuries or deaths reported. Provincial centers are being established to assist relatives, and the sending of new workers to Israel and Iran is temporarily suspended.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kacharak, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, chaired a war room meeting focused on monitoring the situation and implementing measures to assist Thai workers in the Middle East. The meeting was attended by Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, and other relevant officials.
Following the meeting, Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong stated that the Ministry of Labour is prepared to respond to all situations. Current assessments indicate that attacks are limited to strategic targets, such as military locations and airports, and have not spread to surrounding areas. There have been no reports of injuries or fatalities among Thai workers, and communication remains largely intact, except for intermittent contact in Iran due to internal issues. Efforts are being made to reach out to families of workers who cannot be contacted through provincial labour offices. Coordination centers will be established in each province to provide information and alleviate relatives' anxiety.
Thai workers in the region are continuing their work without the need for evacuation to shelters. The Ministry of Labour has divided its response into four phases: stable situation, widespread fighting, prolonged situation with contingency plans, and a situation requiring relief efforts and job placement. The number of affected Thai workers exceeds 80,000, with the largest group in Israel, followed by the UAE.
Evacuation plans are in place with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including routes, methods, and shelters. Surveys are being conducted in Israel to determine if any workers wish to return. While workers currently continue their normal activities, plans to send new groups of workers are on hold due to airspace closures.
Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, highlighted the need for caution among workers, especially in affected areas like Tel Aviv and Haifa. Workers are advised to avoid risky areas, and all have been instructed to download the "SMART TOEA" application for location-based updates. Training ensures workers are prepared for air raid alerts, and communication lines with Thai workers in Israel remain open.
The Ministry of Labour is prepared for evacuation if the situation worsens, though the timeframe for implementation depends on the situation and requires international cooperation. Recruitment for future deployments continues, as current wages remain attractive. Discussions about hazard pay adjustments will be held with Israeli authorities.