Stay in Israel, or flee? Thai workers caught up in Hamas attack and war are faced with a dilemma

By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI
Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Thai agricultural workers in Israel have shared the fate those killed, kidnapped or forced to run for their lives when Hamas militants stormed into Israel last month in the assault that started the latest Gaza war. Since that day nearly a month ago, more than 7,000 of some 30,000 Thais in Israel have returned home on evacuation flights. At least 23 Thais are believed to have been abducted by Hamas, the largest single group of foreign captives. Many more may be missing and 32 have been reported killed. The Thai government offers aid for those fleeing, but some Thai workers are staying despite the risk because they badly need the pay — much higher, compared to wages at home.