CHIANG RAI– Families in Chiang Rai are growing more anxious as fighting in the Middle East intensifies. Many have relatives working in Israel, and they fear the conflict could spread further. Local reports estimate that nearly 4,000 workers from Chiang Rai have returned to Israel for jobs, mostly in agriculture.
In Ban Pa Sak Ngam, Moo 9 (Khum Wiang Rat Phli), Dong Mahawan Subdistrict, Wiang Chiang Rung District, a 30-year-old resident named Naree Wongmuttitajit said her husband has worked in Israel for about two years. This is his second time going back.
Earlier, he returned to Thailand after the Hamas attack in late 2023. After conditions calmed, he went back to the same vineyard job he held before. According to Naree , her husband stays in touch daily through phone calls and social media.
Since the newest clashes began, he has told her that warning sirens sound often. Still, he and other workers can usually continue working in the fields. However, they stay on alert at all times. If an employer gives a warning, workers are ready to stop immediately and head to a shelter.
Naree said she feels scared and worried because the news shows the violence growing and reaching more places. For now, she focuses on reminding her husband to be careful and to protect himself as much as possible.
She also shared that they agreed on one clear plan. If the situation becomes more dangerous, he should return to Thailand right away, even if it affects his job. They both understood the risk before he left, but like many families, they chose because they needed the income.
Before the 2023 violence, Chiang Rai had 2,174 workers in Israel, including 2,148 men and 26 women. Wiang Kaen District alone had more than 500 workers.
After the Hamas attack, at least two people from Chiang Rai reportedly died. Many workers then came back to Thailand. Later, when conditions improved, workers gradually returned to Israel.
Reports also say Israeli employers opened job testing centers in Chiang Rai and offered higher pay. As a result, by March 2026, Chiang Rai had 3,842 workers in Israel. When counting other Middle East countries as well, the total reached 3,996.
