Four Thai nationals lost their lives on Thursday when a rocket attack from Lebanon struck northern Israel near the town of Metula, according to Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Expressing his sorrow, Sangiampongsa posted on social media platform X, saying he was “deeply saddened” by the fatalities and confirmed that another Thai citizen was injured in the incident.
The regional council head in Metula reported that five people were killed in the rocket strike, including a local farmer and four foreign workers, who were identified as Thai nationals. This tragic event highlights the increasingly vulnerable position of Thai nationals living and working in Israel amidst the escalating conflict.
Impact on Thai Nationals Amid Rising Hostilities
With roughly 30,000 Thai nationals residing in Israel, primarily for work opportunities offering better wages than in Thailand, the community has faced significant losses since the onset of hostilities. The ongoing violence has been especially deadly for Thai nationals, with at least 39 confirmed dead due to an attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
During that assault, more than two dozen Thai nationals were believed to have been taken captive by militants. In a brief truce in November, 23 Thai captives were released, providing some relief to the affected families. However, the conflict has continued to exact a toll on this community, with the Israeli army confirming the deaths of two Thai nationals in Gaza in May 2023.
Intensified Hostilities on the Israel-Lebanon Border
In response to 11 months of sporadic cross-border clashes that have displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border, Israel’s military has ramped up its strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon since mid-September. The escalation has included increased air strikes and limited ground operations in southern Lebanon, intensifying the conflict in the region.
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa issued a statement calling for peace, urging all involved parties to prioritize the safety of innocent civilians. “Thailand continues to strongly urge all parties to return to the path of peace, in the name of the innocent civilians gravely impacted by this prolonged and deepening conflict,” Sangiampongsa said.
