Thailand Angered Over Israel Showing Decapitation Video of Alleged Thai Worker

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has strongly condemned Israel for showing a video clip depicting the horrific decapitation of a victim, claimed to be a Thai person, during a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting.

According to the MFA, such atrocities have sparked outrage not only among Thais, but definitely among people all over the world. The group “disapproves of the display of such footage, which does not afford the proper respect and due consideration for the deceased and his family” , according to a statement issued by the company.

It refers to a short video clip broadcast by Israel’s permanent envoy to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, during his speech to the UNGA’s special session on the Hamas-Israeli conflict on October 26. The Israeli ambassador showed video of a foreign national being decapitated with a garden tool during Hamas attacks on October 7. The victim was allegedly a Thai worker.

Horrific Hamas Attack in Israel

The Wall Street Journal published an editorial over the weekend about the screening in New York of raw film of Hamas atrocities during its October 7 invasion of Israel. “Why did the Hamas men start cheering when they saw the dead body of a teenage girl?” Why did they fight over who would be the first to decapitate a Thai guest worker they had shot, then cry ‘Allahu akbar’ with every swing at his neck?” the writer wondered in horror.

The MFA stated that it condemns the slaughter of innocent civilians, regardless of nationality, group, or motive. It also called for the immediate release of all hostages and arrested nations. As of October 28, the number of Thai nationals killed in the Hamas-Israel war stood at 32, with 19 injuries and 19 abductions. With the violence on the rise, the administration is calling with all Thais living in Israel to return for their own safety.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the administration is gathering data about the tape and that such footage should not have been shown to the public. “It’s not appropriate.” War is a nasty thing to do, and it’s best not to throw fuel to the fire. Thailand is not involved in the conflict. “All we ask is for the safety of all Thais and the release of all hostages,” he stated.

Concerning the plight of Thais taken hostage by Hamas, he stated that talks are underway to ensure their safety and release, and that a cabinet minister will fly to the Middle East to resolve the hostage situation.

Farm Worker from Thailand Hide from Hamas

Mr Srettha reiterated his request for all Thai workers in Israel to come home, claiming that combat is intensifying and that internal travel and evacuation will be hampered. He stated that repatriation capacity has now been expanded, while assuring Thai workers of support and help once their return. “The cabinet is expected this week to approve a set of measures including low-interest long-term loans to alleviate debt problems for Thai workers in Israel,” the minister added. He was also concerned about the safety and well-being of Thai officials in Israel.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said on Sunday that the team he sent to Iran to negotiate the release of Thai captives would meet an adviser to Iran’s president and a major Palestinian leader. “Things are going well, and we’re coordinating information.” They assert that all Thai captives are safe and well-cared for. “Their release is under negotiation,” he stated.

Mr Wan stated that the delegation will hold talks to gain the release of the Thai hostages, led by former Narathiwat MP Areepen Uttarasin and Lerpong Syed, brother of Saiyid Sulaiman Husaini, leader of a Shia Muslim community in Thailand. Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Air Force dispatched an A-340 aircraft on Sunday to pick up Thai people evacuated to the UAE, with the flight set to arrive at Wing 6 in Bangkok at 2.20 a.m. Monday.