PUBLISHED: 13 Oct 2024 at 14:36
A tragic incident has left the family of a Thai worker, Nisant Meeram, 42, grappling with the emotional aftermath of his death in an apple orchard in Israel. As they await the repatriation of his body, colleagues have expressed their fears yet feel compelled to remain in Israel for financial reasons.
Ms. Phrueksa Meeram, 43, shared her distress at her home in Ban Kalong village, concerned about the lack of information regarding her husband’s return. Colleagues informed her that they had been relocated to a safer area and that his body might need to be transported elsewhere for an autopsy.
The family’s sudden loss of their main provider has left them in shock, with two children aged 18 and 12 depending on her. Nisant had traveled to Israel in December 2020 to escape debts exceeding 1 million baht related to vehicle and agricultural expenses.
After the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October last year, Nisant returned to Thailand but later resumed his apple-picking job due to financial pressures. In June, he returned to Israel despite family concerns.
Ms. Phrueksa revealed that she maintained daily communication with her husband out of concern for his safety, with her last call occurring shortly before the fatal incident. She received the devastating news of his death from a coworker after a bomb exploded in the orchard where he worked.
Another Thai worker, known only as M, recounted that 24 workers were present in the orchard when the explosion occurred. Nisant was fatally injured, prompting immediate concern among his terrified coworkers.
Following the incident, the remaining Thai workers expressed deep worry for their safety but chose to stay in Israel due to their financial obligations back home.
Nisant Meeram is seen in his final video call with his wife from the apple orchard in Israel.
