Thai Workers Urged to Delay Travel to Israel and Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions

Thai workers planning to travel to Israel or Lebanon have been strongly advised to postpone their plans due to the escalating tensions in the region. This caution follows the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran on July 31, which has led to increased instability.

Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, issued a letter on August 16 to all provincial governors, highlighting the worsening security situation. The letter, based on assessments from the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv and the Office of Labour Affairs in Tehran, emphasized the need for caution, urging provincial authorities to communicate this warning to workers.

"The situation is tending towards an escalation in violence since the July 31 assassination," the letter stated, advising workers to delay their travel plans until the situation stabilizes. This warning has been in effect since August 15 and will continue until further notice.

Phumiphat Mueanchan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour (MoL), confirmed that Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn had received the report regarding the rising tensions in the region. In response, the MoL has asked all Thai workers intending to work in Israel or Lebanon to postpone their travel until further notice.

The Ministry of Labour had set a target of sending 100,000 Thai workers abroad this year as part of various international labour cooperation programs. So far, 77,918 workers have been deployed, accounting for 77.92% of the total target.

In related news, Thailand and South Korea have signed a two-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to reduce waiting times for Thai workers between contracts. Under this MoU, Thai workers traveling to South Korea under the Employment Permit System will receive additional benefits if affected by natural disasters. According to Phumiphat, 8,688 Thai workers have traveled to South Korea under this agreement, an increase of 3,888 from last year.