In the wake of a series of violent incidents in Israel, where more than 4,000 Thai workers are currently stationed, the Ministry of Labor is actively exploring options to bolster support from a dedicated fund aimed at assisting Thai workers overseas. Urgent efforts are being made to consolidate information swiftly and present key findings to an official board.
Saritpong Kiewkong, the chairman of the Labor Committee in the House of Representatives, emphasized the need for close collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, labor ambassadors, and the Thai workers themselves. This cooperative effort is aimed at expediting aid to the affected Thai workers in Israel. To facilitate this, a dedicated “war room” has been established in Thailand to provide real-time updates and support.
Piroj Chotikasatien, the Permanent Secretary for Labor, has confirmed the ministry’s readiness to assist Thai workers in any situation they may encounter while working abroad. Financial assistance from the dedicated fund is available to registered members, with the amount varying according to the severity of their injuries. Thai workers may receive 15,000 baht, 30,000 baht, or even 40,000 baht in the tragic event of a worker’s demise.
Furthermore, additional life insurance coverage is provided for Thai workers in Israel. Those who sustain injuries are entitled to approximately 1.5 million baht in compensation. For those with more severe injuries, a continuous stream of aid will be provided until their full recovery.
In light of the recent events, the Ministry of Labor is actively considering a proposal to adjust the assistance rate provided by this fund. This adjustment may involve an increase in the membership fee, currently ranging from 300-500 baht, potentially rising to 1,000 baht. The primary objective of this modification is to ensure that Thai workers facing adversity due to conflicts abroad receive more substantial financial support. Given that these regulations have remained largely unchanged for several years, an update reflecting the current situations and cost of living is deemed essential.
