Why are there so many Thai citizens in Israel?

Thai workers in Israel have recently gained attention because of the hostage exchanges tied to ongoing conflicts. Israel has a significant number of foreign workers, particularly from Southeast Asian countries, who play an essential role in the country’s labor market.

These workers, primarily from Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, India and the Philippines, continue to arrive in Israel, and the recent conflicts have brought their situation into the spotlight.

Role of Thai citizens amid conflict

Many Thai workers have found themselves trapped in the middle of violent clashes, with some taken hostage. Following negotiations, Thai hostages were released as part of a prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel.

Estimates suggest that over 30,000 Thai workers are currently in Israel, with more than 7,000 returning to Thailand because of the recent escalation in tensions. Thai laborers, much like other Southeast Asians, are involved in a range of jobs, from agriculture to household services.

A large number of Thai workers are employed on farms situated on land seized by Israel from Palestinians. Others work as domestic helpers, caregivers for the elderly, and in the construction sector.

Labor market shifts and the role of foreign workers

Due to its small population, Israel has historically relied on foreign labor, particularly to avoid employing Palestinian workers. Recent years have seen a significant decrease in the employment of Palestinians in Israel, primarily because of rising tensions in the region.

After Oct. 7, some construction projects in Israel were halted because Palestinian workers were removed from job sites, which further highlighted Israel’s dependence on foreign labor, particularly from Asia. Israel has also made efforts to recruit workers from Arab nations like Morocco, following diplomatic normalization with these countries.

Thai citizens: Human rights concerns and labor exploitation

The situation for many Thai workers in Israel is marred by human rights concerns. A 2020 report by Kav LaOved, an Israeli labor rights organization, found that 83% of Thai workers were paid below the legal minimum wage.

Many workers face insecure working conditions and struggle to access necessary medical care. These concerns were also highlighted in a 2015 report by Human Rights Watch.

In 2022, the U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report described the treatment of some Thai agricultural workers in Israel as “forced labor.”