"Thai worker" who died in Israel has returned to his hometown in Chaiyaphum Province. Relatives received the body in sorrow and are preparing for the cremation ceremony on 30 March 2026.
At 9:00 p.m. on 27 March 2026, reporters reported that the body of Mr. Chaiwat Waewnil, a Thai worker who died amid unrest in Israel, was transported from Suvarnabhumi Airport by a white van (license plate HON 2620 Bangkok) from Suriya Coffin Company, Khlong Luang, to his hometown. Mr. Panya Rerkyai, the Chaiyaphum provincial labor officer, led the “Five Tigers” labor team, along with Police Colonel Pongsuk Kongpanyo, Superintendent of Khon San Police Station, local government heads, community leaders, and the deceased's mother, wife, and relatives, who waited in grief to receive the body.
On the morning of 28 March 2026, the family and relatives will make merit by offering breakfast alms to monks, and in the evening, hold the first night of the funeral chanting ceremony. Mr. Panya Rerkyai, the Chaiyaphum provincial labor officer, will lead the “Five Tigers” labor team as hosts for the first night of chanting.
After the ceremony, the “Five Tigers” labor team met with the deceased’s family to discuss and explain the support and compensation measures available. They noted that international insurance payments might be delayed due to document translation and multiple procedural steps.
Mrs. Poonsri Waewnil, the deceased’s mother, expressed gratitude to all parties who assisted. She raised her hands in a traditional Thai wai gesture, feeling both joyful and touched to have her son’s body returned home for religious rites after waiting many days following the news of his death. The family and relatives plan to hold the cremation ceremony on 30 March 2026.