In a proactive response to the challenges faced by Thai workers in Israel, the Thai Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has recently undertaken a comprehensive review of initiatives designed to support these overseas citizens and encourage their return to Thailand.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made an official announcement emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to aiding Thai workers in Israel due to the escalating challenges they are encountering in the region. In a bid to facilitate the return of Thai citizens to their homeland, the administration has introduced a series of robust measures aimed at providing tangible support. Among these measures is the offering of a compensation package of 50,000 baht to returning workers, along with the extension of low-interest, long-term loans not exceeding 150,000 baht.
Government Spokesperson Chai Watcharong disclosed that the Cabinet has granted approval for an extensive loan program designed specifically to assist in the repatriation of Thai workers from Israel. This program is backed by a substantial budget of 2 billion baht, with the Government Savings Bank and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives each contributing 1 billion baht. The loans, which feature a reasonable 3% interest rate, will be further subsidized by the government, covering 2% of the interest, while workers will be responsible for the remaining 1%. To ease the financial burden on returning workers, these loans will be repayable over a generous 20-year period, and applications for these loans will be accepted until June 30th of the following year.
In addition to the loan program, the government is contemplating the introduction of an additional relief fund, offering returning workers an extra 50,000 baht. This is in addition to the previously mentioned 15,000 baht, creating a more comprehensive support system for those coming back to Thailand. The proposal for this additional relief fund is scheduled to be officially presented during an upcoming Cabinet meeting.
Furthermore, discussions are underway regarding a potential debt relief program tailored to workers with outstanding debts of up to 150,000 baht. Specific details regarding this program are anticipated to be addressed in a forthcoming Cabinet meeting, highlighting the government’s dedication to assisting Thai workers during their transition back to Thailand.
