The Phuket News Novosti Phuket Khao Phuket

Login | Create Account | Search


Returning Thai workers allocated B750mn budget

Returning Thai workers allocated B750mn budget

BANGKOK: The Cabinet has approved a budget of B750 million earmarked for compensating Thai workers who have returned from Israel, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said yesterday (Dec 12).

economics
By Bangkok Post

Wednesday 13 December 2023 08:51 AM


A woman hugs her husband, who was among Thai workers who returned from Israel at Suvarnabhumi airport on Dec 4. Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb

A woman hugs her husband, who was among Thai workers who returned from Israel at Suvarnabhumi airport on Dec 4. Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb

Mr Chai said the Cabinet gave a green light to using the emergency central budget of this fiscal year for the planned compensation to Thai workers, as proposed by the Labour Ministry.

Since the Israel-Hamas war erupted on Oct 7, many overseas Thai workers stationed there have been affected as some were unable to receive their salary or return to work in Israel until the situation improves, reports the Bangkok Post.

In response, the cabinet on Oct 27 instructed the Labour Ministry to work with related agencies to set the criteria to provide compensation to Thai returnees in a prompt and proper manner.

Of the B750mn, B50,000 will be provided to each of the 15,000 workers from four target groups.

As such, a budget of B473.75mn has been allocated for 9,475 workers who returned from Israel since Oct 7; B1.95mn for the kin of 39 workers who reportedly died during the fighting in Israel; B48mn for 960 workers who returned to Thailand before Oct 7 but could return due to the ongoing war; and B226.30mn for 4,526 workers - including those formerly held hostage - who intend to return the country to work.

Meanwhile, Buppha Ruangsud, director-general of the Department of Skill Development, said 864 Thai workers from Israel have requested occupational training, 101 of whom have already passed the training.

Many skill development offices nationwide have launched occupational training for these workers.

Three Thai workers who passed a tow truck driving course have reportedly since been recruited by the Erawan Sugar company, she added.