On Thursday, tragedy struck in northern Israel as four Thai nationals lost their lives and another was injured due to rocket fire. The incident occurred in the city of Metula, located near the Lebanese border. Local officials confirmed that the rocket attack resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including four foreign workers.
While Hezbollah, known for previous rocket attacks in the region, did not immediately claim responsibility for the assault, the impact of the attack was devastating. Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa expressed deep concern over the loss of lives in a post made on Friday.
Thailand has a significant presence in Israel's agriculture industry, with thousands of Thai workers employed in various sectors. Unfortunately, Thais were the largest group of foreign nationals killed in the recent Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, highlighting the vulnerability of foreign workers in conflict zones.
Regrettably, this is not the first instance of a Thai worker falling victim to violence in northern Israel. Just last month, another Thai worker lost their life due to an explosion caused by dropped ammunition. The Thai foreign ministry reported the incident, further underscoring the dangers faced by foreign workers in the region.
The loss of lives in these tragic events serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by foreign nationals working in conflict-prone areas. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.