Body of Thai farm worker killed in Israel returned to Thailand

The body of a Thai agricultural worker, killed in Israel as the war in the Middle East was intensifying, arrived at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport today.

The repatriation ceremony for 33-year-old Chaiwat Waewnill, who was killed on March 18th, was presided over by official representatives of both Thailand and Israel.

Chaiwat, a native of Chaiyaphum province, was the first Thai national to lose his life following the outbreak of hostilities, initially involving the US, Israel and Iran, which began in late February.

The officials paid tribute to the deceased before his body was returned to Chaiyaphum for religious rites.

His family will receive compensation and other support from both Thai and Israeli authorities.

The Thai government said it continues to monitor closely the situation of Thai workers in the Middle East. To date, 1,479 Thai nationals have sought evacuation assistance, while 98 have already returned to Thailand.