In the latest tragic incident in Israel’s ongoing conflict along its northern border, four Thai nationals lost their lives on Thursday in a rocket attack originating from Lebanon, according to a statement from Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa. The attack, which occurred close to the town of Metula, also left one Thai national injured, underscoring the significant toll on foreign workers in Israel, particularly Thai nationals, since hostilities intensified earlier in October.
The rocket strike, one of many exchanges of cross-border fire in the area, reportedly claimed five lives in total, as confirmed by the head of Metula’s regional council. Among those killed were four foreign farm workers and one local farmer. Thailand’s foreign ministry released a statement expressing profound sadness over the loss, with Foreign Minister Sangiampongsa urging for a return to peaceful solutions to spare innocent civilians from further harm.
Thailand’s foreign worker population in Israel, estimated at 30,000, has been significantly impacted by the recent surge in conflict. Thai nationals have increasingly sought work in Israel due to higher salaries compared to those available in Thailand’s own labor market, with many employed in agricultural and other labor-intensive roles in the region. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, at least 39 Thai nationals have been reported dead. This figure includes those who perished in attacks on southern Israel on October 7, when Hamas launched a large-scale assault.
The Thai government reports that more than two dozen of its nationals were captured during the attack and transported into Gaza by militants. Fortunately, during a brief truce in early November, 23 Thai nationals held hostage were released, though conditions surrounding their captivity and release remain undisclosed. The Israeli military has since confirmed the deaths of two Thai nationals who had been taken captive and died in Gaza earlier in the year.
The incident near Metula is part of a broader escalation of violence between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters across the Israel-Lebanon border. The two parties have exchanged fire intermittently for nearly a year, displacing tens of thousands of residents on both sides of the border. In mid-September, the Israeli army escalated its response with intensified air strikes targeting Hezbollah positions, followed by limited ground operations in southern Lebanon.
In the wake of the October 7 attacks by Hamas in southern Israel, the northern border with Lebanon has seen a rise in cross-border hostilities, with Hezbollah and Israeli forces engaging more frequently in recent weeks. The Israeli military has continued to warn residents and workers within reach of the Lebanese border to remain vigilant and prepared for evacuation.
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa expressed condolences to the families of the victims and extended support to Thai nationals currently residing in Israel. He shared his sentiments in a post on the social media platform X, stating, “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.” Thailand’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its nationals in Israel, including exploring measures to ensure the safe evacuation and repatriation of those willing to leave the country.
Despite Thailand’s strong diplomatic ties with Israel, the ongoing hostilities have strained relations, particularly with the rising toll on Thai workers. The Thai government, through its embassy and consular services, has established emergency contacts for Thai nationals in Israel and is closely monitoring the security situation. An evacuation advisory was issued last week for Thai nationals within high-risk zones, urging those who wish to leave to register for flights arranged in coordination with Israeli authorities.
Thailand’s labor exports to Israel began under a bilateral agreement aimed at addressing labor shortages in Israel’s agricultural sector. Thai workers, who often endure tough working conditions, are able to earn significantly more in Israel than in their home country. Many send remittances back to Thailand, supporting families and communities in rural areas.
One of the workers who survived Thursday’s attack in Metula shared his story with Thai media. Speaking under the condition of anonymity, he described the explosion that occurred without warning, throwing debris across the fields where he and his colleagues were working. “I never imagined we’d face something like this,” he said. “We come here to work hard, to provide for our families, but now we worry each day for our lives.”
Workers on Israel’s farms near the Lebanese border have expressed concerns over their safety as the regional conflict intensifies. Some fear remaining in a volatile area, while others hesitate to leave due to economic pressures and the uncertainty of employment prospects back home. The Thai embassy has been active in reassuring its nationals and coordinating with local employers to enhance security measures, yet the unpredictable nature of the conflict leaves few certainties.
The escalation on Israel’s northern border follows years of sporadic confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group with a history of clashes against Israeli forces. Following the October 7 incident, Hezbollah leadership reiterated their solidarity with Palestinian militants and issued statements indicating their willingness to escalate attacks if Israeli forces did not halt operations in Gaza.
In response, Israel has tightened its military operations on multiple fronts, stretching its resources and prompting calls from the international community for de-escalation. The United Nations and several world leaders have voiced concerns over the increased likelihood of a wider regional war, which could draw in multiple actors across the Middle East.
In response to this latest tragedy involving its citizens, Thailand has taken an active diplomatic stance, advocating for international intervention to stabilize the region and ensure the protection of civilians, including foreign nationals. Thailand’s representative to the United Nations has urged other member states to support peace initiatives, emphasizing the urgent need to secure safe passage for those impacted by the violence, including its nationals working in Israel.
This incident has also brought to light the broader challenges faced by migrant workers worldwide, who often find themselves in conflict zones as they pursue economic opportunities. Foreign Minister Sangiampongsa has called upon international labor organizations to recognize and address these vulnerabilities, noting that workers from Thailand, the Philippines, and several African nations contribute significantly to economies like Israel’s, where local labor shortages are an ongoing concern.
