Kittiphong Chaiko, a worker from Nong Bua Lamphu, Thailand, who survived a terrorist attack carried out by the extremist group Hamas in Israel, has returned to his home country deeply affected by the loss of his colleagues. He landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport today at 12.20pm, with no intention of going back to Israel.
Upon his arrival, Kittiphong respectfully greeted his father, who performed a traditional ceremony of tying a string around his wrist, a gesture believed to help protect those who have experienced trauma. Kittiphong expressed his relief at being back in Thailand, admitting that he thought he might never return. His workplace in Israel was destroyed, and he currently does not feel mentally prepared to discuss the traumatic incident or make any future plans. He mentioned that two to three of his colleagues lost their lives in the attack.
Another Thai worker in Israel, known as Ball, revealed that he had been working there for only five months of a five-year and three-month contract when the incident occurred. The perilous situation forced Ball to evacuate, with uncertainty about his survival as violent groups surrounded the area. He said, “For now, I will return home to rest and clear my mind. I am under a lot of stress due to the incident and financial issues. My wife gave me our last savings to purchase a plane ticket because she was worried and didn’t want me to stay there.”
Both Kittiphong and Ball planned to reunite with their families as soon as they arrived in Thailand. Their harrowing experiences underscore the dangers that overseas workers can encounter, emphasizing the importance of support and protection for such individuals.
