AP: Why Hamas captured so many Thai workers?

In a fresh article, AP explores that when Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel on October 7, dozens of Thai farm workers were among those taken hostage—more than any other foreign group. Far from the politics of the region, these migrant laborers had come seeking higher wages in Israel’s agricultural sector. So why did they become unexpected targets in a violent conflict that wasn’t theirs?

Israel has confirmed the recovery of the body of Nattapong Pinta, a 35-year-old Thai hostage abducted into Gaza during the October 7, 2023 attack that ignited the current conflict. Pinta was one of 31 Thais taken captive by Hamas militants. Thailand’s foreign ministry announced that Pinta, the last Thai hostage in Gaza, has been declared dead, while the bodies of two other Thais remain unrecovered.

The ministry reports that 46 Thai nationals have died in the conflict. Thai workers represented the largest group of foreign hostages held by Hamas and have long been part of tens of thousands of Thai laborers working in Israel.

Historically, Israel relied heavily on Palestinian workers but shifted to recruiting migrant laborers after the first Intifada from 1987 to 1993. The majority of these migrant workers have been from Thailand, who continue to form the largest group of foreign agricultural workers in Israel today, earning significantly higher wages than in their home country.

About a decade ago, Thailand and Israel signed a bilateral agreement to streamline employment in the agriculture sector. However, Israel has faced criticism for the poor conditions experienced by many Thai laborers. A 2015 Human Rights Watch report detailed inadequate housing, wages below the legal minimum, excessive work hours, unsafe conditions, and restrictions on changing employers. Recent watchdog investigations suggest these issues persist.

Before the Hamas attack, roughly 30,000 Thai workers were employed in Israel, mostly in agriculture. Following the attack, approximately 7,000 returned to Thailand via government evacuation flights. Despite this, higher wages continue to attract new workers.

Thailand’s ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, recently said the number of Thai workers in Israel now exceeds 38,000.

To address labor shortages caused by the exodus, Israel’s Agriculture Ministry has offered incentives, including extended work visas and monthly bonuses of around $500, to encourage foreign workers to return.

In 2024, Thailand authorized 3,966 Thai workers to go to Israel, keeping it among the top destinations for Thai migrant laborers, most of whom come from poorer regions in northeastern Thailand seeking better economic opportunities.

By Naila Huseynova