Bangkok: The Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have received the bodies of Thai workers who died in the fighting in the Middle East and will ensure they receive their entitlements and are facilitated their return to their homeland. Mr. Bancha Yuenyongjongcharoen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs, and Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, were among the officials who took part in the solemn ceremony held at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The ceremony was also attended by representatives from the Israeli Embassy in Thailand. They gathered to pay their respects to Mr. Chaiwat, a Thai worker who lost his life in the Middle Eastern conflict.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chaiwat, aged 33, was a Thai worker hailing from Chaiyaphum province. He died in an explosion while working in agriculture in Israel. His body was repatriated to Thailand on flight LY093, which arrived at 12:45 PM. In terms of benefits and compensation, Mr. Pichet Thongphan disclosed that the heirs of the deceased will receive comprehensive support both from overseas and within Thailand. This includes benefits from Israel, such as compensation from the Israeli Insurance Institute, which is currently under consideration, and unpaid wages and compensation (Pisu'im) amounting to approximately 300,000 baht.
In Thailand, the fund designated to assist job seekers working abroad will provide a death benefit of 40,000 baht. Additionally, the Social Security Office's old-age pension savings of 71,459.14 baht, excluding interest, will also be granted. The Ministry of Labour has instructed local agencies, particularly the Chaiyaphum Provincial Labour Office, to extend immediate assistance to Mr. Chaiwat's family. This includes facilitating the necessary documentation, claiming benefits, and coordinating related matters.
The Ministry of Labour continues to monitor the situation of Thai workers in the Middle East closely. To date, 1,479 Thais have requested evacuation assistance, with 98 workers having already returned to Thailand. Mr. Pichet reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to expedite the process to ensure that heirs receive their rightful benefits promptly. He also urged Thai workers still present in high-risk areas to adhere strictly to official recommendations for their safety.
Upon receiving the body, representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Israeli Embassy jointly laid wreaths and observed a minute of silence. The deceased was then transported to his hometown in Chaiyaphum province for religious ceremonies.