There will be no more evacuation flights arranged by the Thai government to bring Thais back from Israel after today, announced the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv.
The embassy announced via a statement late last night that travelers should head and report to the InterContinental Tel Aviv Hotel on Nov. 1 at 5pm for the “last chance” for an evacuation flight arranged by the Thai government..
Emergency contact numbers can be reached via 053-5574115, 050-443-8094, as well as embassy contact numbers 053-245-2826, 055-271-2201, 054-636-8150.
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said that Thais in Israel can still book their own flights back and apply for a refund of their tickets from the labor ministry.
The Thai government has arranged relief efforts to help Thai migrant workers evacuate the country since yesterday. The government has allocated THB1.2 billion for Thais who are in need to repay debts or start new businesses. The Government Savings Bank and the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives have agreed to provide a combined THB2 billion in long-term loans.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said Tuesday the government had been working hard to get Thais to fly back, and would be offering incentives to workers including a THB50,000 handout per person and access to low-interest loans of up to THB150,000. The repayment period will be 20 years or by the time the worker reaches the age of 60.
Less than 8,000 out of 30,000 have returned as of Tuesday, three weeks after Hamas launched its attack on Israel. As of Tuesday, 7,891 Thai workers have been repatriated.
Thailand’s foreign minister, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, is currently in talks with the Qatari prime minister and foreign minister, as well as the Egyptian foreign minister, for their assistance in negotiating the return of 22 Thais held captive by the militant group.
Parnpree will “discuss the situation of Thai nationals being held hostage as a result of the ongoing violence in Israel and Gaza”, the ministry said in a statement.
More than 1,400 people were killed after Hamas launched its Oct. 7 offensive. The Israel military retaliated with brute force in Gaza, where the Hamas-controlled health ministry said that more than 8,300 have been killed, with more than 3,000 being children.
At least 32 Thais have been killed in the conflict, with at least 19 wounded.
