Ministry of Labor Announces Measures to Support Thai Workers Who Died in Israel

"Ministry of Labor" announces measures to protect rights and benefits in the case of "Thai workers" who died in Israel due to the conflict in the Middle East.

On 20 March 2026, Mr. Santi Nantasuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary and spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor, expressed deepest condolences to the family of the Thai worker who died in Israel amid the Middle East conflict on the night of 18 March 2026. Regarding assistance, the Ministry of Labor has taken the following actions:

1. The labor attaché closely coordinates assistance with the embassy.

As initially explained by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labor received reports from the labor attaché at the Embassy in Tel Aviv. The embassy was informed by Israeli authorities that one Thai worker was confirmed deceased while in his accommodation. The worker was from Chaiyaphum Province and died at 23:45 local Israeli time on 18 March 2026.

Upon investigation, the deceased had registered his work through the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labor, on 27 May 2025, to work in agriculture in Israel. Israel's forensic unit will conduct an autopsy and return the body to the family via the Embassy in Tel Aviv.

2. Field visit to offer condolences and moral support to the family.

The Ministry of Labor assigned the Chaiyaphum provincial labor officers and affiliated agencies to visit the family to offer condolences and support. They informed the family about the benefits the heirs are entitled to and facilitated documentation to arrange repatriation of the deceased's body to Thailand.

3. Benefits entitled to the heirs.

The heirs will receive benefits both in Thailand and from Israel's National Insurance Institute, including:

Benefits in Thailand

• The deceased was a member of the Overseas Workers Assistance Fund. The legal heirs are entitled to a death benefit of 40,000 baht for death abroad due to war.
• Social Security benefits include an accumulated old-age fund totaling 71,459.14 baht.

Benefits from Israel's National Insurance Institute include:

• Compensation for funeral expenses.
• Participation in burial costs.
• Monthly compensation payments.
• Annual assistance payments.
• Other aid such as psychological support. The exact amount will be determined and compensated by the Israeli National Insurance Institute.

4. Publicize for Thai workers in the Middle East to strictly follow safety protocols when hearing official alerts.

The Ministry of Labor has instructed the labor attaché in Israel to oversee and advise Thai workers there to remain in safe zones and strictly follow official guidelines.

Additionally, the Ministry has assigned related agencies to communicate through relatives in Thailand to urge workers in the Middle East to be extra cautious upon hearing warning signals and to comply strictly with safety measures such as:

• If indoors, immediately enter a shelter room.
• If outdoors, lie flat on the ground and protect your head with your hands.
• Leave the shelter only after confirmation of safety.
• Stay away from unexploded bombs or rockets.
• Do not record photos or videos during warning signals, among other precautions.
• The Ministry also encourages Thai workers abroad to download and update the Smart TOEA app and enable location services so the Ministry can send messages to workers, who can respond back as well.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Labor has directed the labor officers at the Embassy in Tel Aviv to coordinate closely with the embassy to facilitate access to benefits for the deceased worker and arrange repatriation to Thailand.