Twelve Thai citizens have lost their lives in the conflict between Israel and Hamas militants, according to the Thai government, which is now formulating an evacuation plan for its citizens.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Kanchana Patarachoke stated that the Thai embassy in Israel was informed about the deaths of Thai citizens by their employers.
She added that an additional eight Thais had sustained injuries, and eleven were taken as captives since the conflict began with Hamas launching a large-scale attack on Saturday.
According to Bangkok’s labor ministry, there are approximately 30,000 Thai workers in Israel, with many of them employed in agriculture.
Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated that Israeli forces have initiated the relocation of workers away from areas of danger.
“There are 1,099 who have registered to return home,” Phiphat said in an interview on Thai television.
“We have about 5,000 labourers working in the fighting zone.”
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Kanchana mentioned that Thai Air Force planes are on standby for potential evacuation, but the specific date and other details of the evacuation operation are still being finalized.
The conflict in Israel and Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 1,100 people, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioning that a “long and difficult” battle lies ahead.