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

BANGKOK (AP) — When Hamas militants stormed into Israeli villages and towns along the border of the blockaded Gaza Strip last month, many Thai migrant agricultural workers shared the fate of hundreds of Israelis who were killed, kidnapped or forced to run for their lives.

Since that day nearly a month ago, more than 7,000 of some 30,000 Thais working in Israel have returned home on government evacuation flights. But many others have decided to stay, choosing to take the risk for the opportunity to earn wages far higher than at home.

Thailand reports that at least 23 Thais are believed to have been abducted by Hamas, which rules Gaza. It's the largest single group of foreigners held by the militant group. Many more may be missing and 32 have been reported killed.

In a visceral illustration of the fate met by some, Israel's U.N. envoy drew a rebuke from Thailand's Foreign Ministry after showing the General Assembly a video last week of what he said was a Hamas fighter decapitating a Thai agricultural worker with a garden hoe as he lay on the ground.