The cabinet has approved a budget of 750 million baht earmarked for compensating Thai workers who have returned from Israel, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said on Tuesday.
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.
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 750 million baht, 50,000 baht will be provided to each of the 15,000 workers from four target groups.
As such, a budget of 473.75 million baht has been allocated for 9,475 workers who returned from Israel since Oct 7; 1.95 million baht for the kin of 39 workers who reportedly died during the fighting in Israel; 48 million baht for 960 workers who returned to Thailand before Oct 7 but could return due to the ongoing war; and 226.30 million baht 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.
