How Thai workers became integral to Israel's economy

Experts say arrangement was 'strategic decision' to replace Palestinian labor

20231017 Thailand Overseas Workers Israel Palestinians

Thai workers who were evacuated from Israel arrive at a military airport in Bangkok on Oct. 16. Thailand has been a big source of labor for Israel's agricultural sector. © AP

SHAUN TURTON, Contributing writer, and FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writer

October 18, 2023 10:47 JST

BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH -- When Boonchai Saeyang returned to Thailand on Friday, his thoughts were with his fellow Thais who had stayed behind in Israel to work on a farm near Gaza.

They chose to remain out of economic necessity, he said, despite Hamas combatants shooting civilians in their village.