A 29-year-old Thai woman working in Israel video called her family and asked people in Thailand to support Thai workers in Israel.
On 1 Mar 2026 GMT+7, reporters went to Ban Tham Makhuea, Krabueang Yai Subdistrict, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, to meet Mr. Supoj Leephai, 67, and Mrs. Duangrat Leephai, 61, the parents of Ms. Rungtawan Leephai (Fern), 29, a Thai worker in Israel and user of the Facebook account "Fern Tala Wan." Fern had posted on her personal Facebook describing the ongoing fighting in Israel and sharing her current living conditions.
Mrs. Duangrat, 61, Fern’s mother, said she has four children, with Fern being the youngest. Fern is a single mother of two daughters who are still in school. Previously, Fern worked in Phimai District, but due to various expenses, her salary was insufficient. She decided to work in Israel four months ago as a department store employee, earning about 100,000 baht including overtime, enabling her to send money home for living expenses and debt repayment.
Following news of the conflict in Israel, Fern’s parents were very worried about her safety. However, Fern assured them that her location is still safe, and there is no need to worry. Her employer takes good care of her and provides shelter in case of emergencies.
During the interview, Fern video called her parents, telling them not to worry. She said she is able to live and work normally. When asked if she wanted to return home, she said she would like to but must first settle debts. Before going to Israel, she had to mortgage her parents’ land title for 400,000 baht, using about 200,000 baht for travel expenses and the rest to pay other debts. She has repaid about 100,000 baht so far but still owes a significant amount. Therefore, she needs to continue working there. She believes all Thai workers share similar necessities and asked people in Thailand to support Thai workers in Israel.