Fashion

Thai And Filipino Workers Filling Labor Gap In Israel Get Caught Up In War Between Israel And Hamas

Published

1 year ago

2023-10-13

BANGKOK — On Thursday, the initial cohort of Thai laborers evacuated from Israel after the violent incidents in Gaza and southern Israel over the past few days arrived in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Anxious family members and high-ranking officials awaited their arrival.

Hundreds of Israelis were murdered on Saturday by Hamas militants who breached a border fence and set fire to their homes, neighborhoods, and an outdoor music festival. In retaliation, the Israeli military has initiated massive bombardment and made readiness for a potential ground incursion. At least 2,600 lives have been lost on both sides of the conflict; some Southeast Asian laborers residing in Israel have been among them.

Two of the forty-one Thais who returned home on an El Al commercial flight were wounded men compelled to depart the aircraft in wheelchairs due to the violence.

In developed nations where semi-skilled labor is in limited supply, Thai agricultural laborers seek employment significantly higher wages than those they can earn at home.

Tens of thousands of foreign workers from the Philippines and Thailand, among others, transfer their wages back to Thailand to support their families. This money also stimulates the finances of their home countries.

However, the recent inclusion of Thai and Filipino nationals on lists of deceased, wounded, and missing serves as a poignant reminder that the lives of foreign employees are in imminent danger.

Thai And Filipino Workers Filling Labor Gap In Israel Get Caught Up In War Between Israel And Hamas.

According to the Thai Foreign Ministry, approximately 30,000 Thais are employed in Israel, of which 5,000 reside in the southern region near the Gaza Strip.

Katchakorn Pudtason, one of them, stated that his employer at the farm where he worked initially escorted all employees into a shelter during the attacks on Saturday. However, once they exited the bunker for lunch, they continued to hear gunfire.

Katchakorn stated that as they were being driven back to their employment, he heard additional gunfire and felt an object strike his knee.

“At first, I mistook it for a boulder, but it managed to pass through. As a result, he collided with the vehicle and instructed the driver to depart. He further stated that four vehicle individuals were injured that particular day. Two of the returnees required the use of a wheelchair, including him.

Upon the arrival of the evacuees, the labor, defense, and foreign affairs Cabinet ministers of Thailand were present at Bangkok’s international airport. The government has pledged to ensure evacuees’ physical and mental health.

Officials are working around the clock to facilitate the 5,990 Thais who have registered to be evacuated, according to Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara.

“To eliminate the greatest number of individuals possible, we need a Plan B,” stated Defence Minister Suthin Klangsaeng. “People will be evacuated from the high-risk area to a third country, such as the United Arab Emirates, using military aircraft.”

When compiling lists of non-Israeli nationals impacted by the violence, the number of Thais implicated stood out. On Thursday, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 21 Thais are presumed deceased and 14 injured. It was estimated that sixteen individuals had been captured as hostages.

Thai And Filipino Workers Filling Labor Gap In Israel Get Caught Up In War Between Israel And Hamas.

In 2019, Chatree Chasri departed from his residence in northeastern Thailand to seek employment as an agricultural laborer in Israel. His objective was to settle outstanding obligations and support his wife and two children in Nakhon Phanom. It is common for Thais from economically disadvantaged rural regions, particularly the northeast, to seek employment overseas.

The 38-year-old has cultivated tomatoes and cauliflower in the southern Israeli community of Mivtahim, less than 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Israel’s border with Gaza, under a government-to-government agreement for the past four years.

He told The Associated Press over the phone from Israel on Saturday that his life at the farm had been going well until Saturday, notwithstanding the intermittent shelling and missile assaults that forced him to seek shelter. He now declares that he wishes to return home and never again visit Israel.

Chatree sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the hip in the immediate aftermath of Hamas’ rocket assaults and surprise ground offensive into southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of individuals and the capture of over a hundred who were returned to Gaza in captivity.

Suddenly, while using the lavatory on the farm with other foreign laborers, Chatree heard gunfire.

“As the sounds grew closer, bullets passed through the toilet wall,” he recalled, evoking the instant he was struck. Subsequently, he observed two gunmen enter the living accommodations of the workers and open fire, prompting them to seek refuge outside.

Thai expatriate Vibhavadi Vannachai, who has spent nearly two decades in Israel and is collaborating with Israeli authorities to assist Thai employees, is concerned that the number of casualties may increase.

Thai And Filipino Workers Filling Labor Gap In Israel Get Caught Up In War Between Israel And Hamas.

Vibhavadi, a native of Nong Bua Lamphu’s northeastern province, is an interpreter at a legal office whose cases primarily concern resolving conflicts between Thai employees and their employers.

She stated that exploitation and violations of their rights are prevalent, with many being obligated to long-term contracts but having their wages deceived. Many individuals who refuse to work lengthy hours are subjected to physical abuse. “Some individuals are required to reside in quarters unfit for human habitation,” she stated.

Vibhavadi assisted in locating temporary housing for Chatree and Padoong Bootmo, a 26-year-old Thai laborer who was fatally shot on Saturday and whose Yesha potato and yam farm was twice ransacked by assailants before being destroyed by fire, via temporary accommodations. Padoong stated during a telephone interview that he had been able to send home 1,100 baht (40,000 baht) per month. Although he might earn less than half that under ideal conditions performing the same duties in Thailand, he has stated that he no longer wishes to remain in Israel.

The assassination of at least two Filipino foreign employees in Israel highlighted the dangers these workers encountered.

Approximately 30,000 Filipinos reside and work in the country, the Foreign Ministry of the Philippines estimates, with many providing care for the elderly, the ailing, and those with physical disabilities. The enormous quantity of money they send back home—$36.14 billion in the previous year—has been instrumental in sustaining the country’s fragile economy.

According to the Philippines Embassy in Israel, one of the two Filipinos slain on Saturday was a carer who was shot alongside her employer inside their home by Hamas gunmen. Uncertain circumstances surround the death of the other.

At least three Filipinos are still missing, according to embassy representatives.

Despite this, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Eduardo de Vega stated on Wednesday that no Filipino has requested repatriation from Israel.

In a Wednesday telephone interview with The Associated Press, Jeremiah Supan, a 34-year-old Filipino carer in Israel, stated that he informed Philippine officials that he had no intention of returning home. He transfers his earnings as the primary provider for his family, allowing his 10-year-old son to continue his education and support other dependents.

Supan stated, “The rocket firings continue.” “However, all that assistance I send to my family back home will be lost if I depart.”

SOURCE – (AP)

Kiara Grace

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics. Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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Fashion

New Croc Clogs Mean Matching Togs For Your Dogs

Published

4 weeks ago

2024-10-13

Kiara Grace

Crocs, the foam footwear company, is known for its quirky designs, which range from cowboy boots to fried chicken-scented charms. Crocs is putting its best paw forward this month with the release of a range of clogs for dogs.

Crocs has partnered with pet supply provider and subscription service BARK to develop Pet Clogs as part of their annual “Croctober” campaign, which features a fan-inspired product.

New Croc Clogs Mean Matching Togs For Your Dogs

Companies frequently release promotional or limited-time merchandise to increase brand awareness. Special flavors of sodas or candies, collaborations with influencers or other brands, and even items that aren’t meant to be taken seriously can all help a company gain attention and stand out in a crowded marketplace among shoppers fighting inflation and looking to stretch their dollars.

“(The market) is returning, from my perspective, to what it was before the pandemic, which is that key promotional periods are extremely important,” CEO Andrew Rees told analysts during an earnings call in August. “We believe you have to participate in those promotional periods to get your fair share of consumer spending.”

Americans have spent more money on their pets during the last decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pet expenses climbed by 77.9% between 2013 and 2021.

Pet owners spent a total of $147 billion on pet-related expenses in 2023, with that figure expected to rise to $150.6 billion this year, according to the American Pet Products Association.

However, observers believe Crocs’ entry into the pet industry is more than simply another eye-catching marketing stunt; it is a show of the power of its devoted fan base.

The Power of Fandom
Despite — or perhaps because of — regular ridicule from fashionistas, Crocs has carved out a niche for themselves in mainstream culture. Its meme status and proclivity for going viral are aided by star-studded collaborations from Justin Bieber to Bad Bunny.

And sales of the footwear brand skyrocketed in 2020, owing to the increase of casual fashion during the pandemic.

“Crocs has a very strong base of fans, and it is very good at engaging with them via social channels and marketing campaigns,” said Neil Saunders, a retail analyst at GlobalData.

New Croc Clogs Mean Matching Togs For Your Dogs

If you need proof of the power of its fans, look at how rapidly limited-edition releases sell out. In 2021, a pair of adult clogs modeled by the Disney/Pixar character Lightning McQueen from the film “Cars” sold out in less than an hour after debuting on the Crocs website.

Crocs’ continued success with its fans, which Saunders described as “cult-like,” may be due to its active interaction with its consumers, making even the most seemingly ludicrous fan requests a reality (see: Crocs inspired by the DreamWorks movie character “Shrek”).

According to Saunders, the introduction of Pet Crocs, which the business describes as “one of the most highly requested products in brand history,” is another move aimed at younger, more social media-savvy consumers.

“In many instances these will be fun purchases which people will share on social media, helping to amplify the Crocs brand,” according to him.

SOURCE | CNN

Kiara Grace

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Fashion

Exploring the Best Mechanical Watches in Today’s Market

Published

1 month ago

2024-10-02

Geoff Thomas

Curiously enough, despite the arrival of the smart watch with all its multitasking allure and its flashy functionality, mechanical watches have grown a lot in popularity over the past few years.

And though the Quartz revolution has made watches so much more affordable and accessible to everybody, the advance in manufacturing technology has brought to us in recent decades some outstanding mechanical timepieces that rival the affordability of higher-end Quartz ones.

If you’re looking for a mechanical watch that is worth it and is also affordable, you’ve come to the right place because today, we’re going to be listing the best mechanical watches in 2024.

Best Mechanical Watches

Seiko Recraft

The Seiko Recraft is a wacky collection, out of which we prefer the SMK P27 with its lovely green dial and the rectangular case shape with slightly curved edges. It’s a rarity in the watch world, a vintage-inspired timepiece, reminiscent of the 1970s. The watch comes with only 50 meters of water resistance, an automatic movement without hacking function and without hand winding, and just a mineral crystal hard lex protecting the dial, but it’s an impressive timepiece nonetheless, and it costs a humble $275.

Tissot Everytime Swissmatic

An elegant and affordable piece that costs around $400. It’s one of the best mechanical timepieces you can get for the money. The simplicity of its dial, the clean and minimalistic esthetic with that lovely contrast between the stark the dial and the silver hue of the case, hands and indices, really make for a stunning watch. And inside, there’s a reliable Swiss automatic movement with a hearty power reserve of 70 hours with an accuracy of plus or minus 10 seconds a day, proving to be quite a capable mechanical caliber, especially for that price.

Citizen NJ0100 Automatic

One of the big Japanese names in affordable watches is Citizen and their NJ0100 Automatic proves to be quite a sight, powered by a Myota 8210 automatic movement with a water resistance of 50 meters. The price doesn’t exceed $150, so it’s perfect, but the fact that it’s an older model and not in production anymore makes it a little harder to find. But if you look around the internet, you should find plenty.

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Blue Moon

The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Blue Moon is a real stunner. It may be a little more expensive at $440, but still on the affordable side, and it’s worth all those bucks. It comes in a 40.5 millimeter stainless steel case with an automatic four R-3-5 movement as it’s ticking hot, reliable, and with a 41-hour power reserve. But the most captivating part of this timepiece is that dark blue sunburst style, giving the watch an artistic and captivating look.

Tufina Sahara Mechanical

The Tufina Sahara is among the most popular mechanical watches out there, one with a dressy look and plenty of variants to choose from. Our favorite is the rose gold one, which boasts a remarkable silver dial with an intricate skeleton composition, playing with light in such a way that it creates a mesmerizing show. On the technical side, it comes powered by a mechanical movement with 17 rubies, a 3 ATM water resistance, rhodium plated case, Alpha photoluminescent hands and a superb sapphire coated lens protecting the dial. The thin bezel and classic guarded crown gives this watch a very elegant look, and the fact that you can find it for about $990 makes it that much more appealing.

Orient Kamaso

The Orient Kamaso is a worthy divers watch, bringing some impressive features for less than $300. The sapphire crystal glass, for example, is a rare feature on affordable watches. Then there’s the rugged stainless steel case that is depth rated for 200 meters, another feature that usually comes with higher price tags. When it comes to appearance, the Kamaso has a stunning black, blue, red, or green sunburst dial, complemented by the rotating vessel, finished in the same color. Under the dial, there’s an automatic Orient Calibur F692, a movement that’s said to be reliable and accurate.

Dan Henry 1970 Automatic Diver

Remaining in the diving watch world, the Dan Henry 1970 Automatic Diver, a tribute to the Compressor case dive watchers that were the thing back in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It comes with the Seco NH-3 five automatic movement, water resistance of 200 meters, and in two case sizes, 40 millimeters and 44 millimeters. What we’re most impressed with is the beautiful and refreshing dial. It’s a classic, but it’s also one that departs from the similar designs that most divers have.

Geoff Thomas

Geoffrey Thomas is a seasoned staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. With his sharp writing skills and deep understanding of SEO, he consistently delivers high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers. Thomas' articles are well-researched, informative, and written in a clear, concise style that keeps audiences hooked. His ability to craft compelling narratives while seamlessly incorporating relevant keywords has made him a valuable asset to the VORNews team.

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Fashion

Shein Faces Scrutiny In Italy Over Possible Greenwashing

Published

1 month ago

2024-09-26

Kiara Grace

Italy’s antitrust police are looking into Shein, the online fast fashion behemoth, for potentially making false statements about its environmental efforts.

The country’s independent competition commission said in a statement that the greenwashing investigation would focus on Infinite Styles Serves Co. Limited, a Dublin-based company that manages Shein’s website and app.

Shein Faces Scrutiny In Italy Over Possible Greenwashing

Shein was started in China and is now headquartered in Singapore. It has risen to prominence in the retail industry, thanks to a business model that enables it to produce garments in real-time and deliver it straight to clients from factories mostly in China.

That has allowed the company to sell things at extremely low prices and attract customers who can go to its website and buy $11 sweaters, $2 cellphone cases, and other items from a constantly updated range of stuff.

However, Shein’s detractors have long contended that the company’s tactics foster overconsumption and environmental waste, both of which the retailer claims it is attempting to address.

However, Italian regulators accuse the corporation of misleading customers with statements about the environmental sustainability of the apparel it sells. Environmental organisations have claimed that similar deceptive methods, known as greenwashing, occur throughout the corporate sector.

Italy’s anti-trust office, known in Italian as AGCM, claims that some of the environmental references on Shein’s Italian website are misleading or omit information. Images advertising Shein’s garments as sustainable are also made “through generic, vague, confused, and/or misleading environmental assertions,” according to the authority.

The watchdog specifically mentioned information from Shien’s “evoluShein” line, claiming that it may have misled consumers into believing that the clothing they purchased could be recycled.

AGCM also claimed that Shein’s website’s declared commitment to decarbonisation was in “apparent contradiction” with the increases in greenhouse gas emissions listed in Shein’s sustainability reports for 2022 and 2023.

The online shop stated that it would assist with the Italian probe.

Shein Faces Scrutiny In Italy Over Possible Greenwashing

“We would also like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to complying with the laws and regulations in the markets where we operate and to maintaining transparency with our customers,” Shein said in a news release.

Shein has also faced issues in other parts of Europe. Critics and advocacy groups, including Amnesty International UK, have protested the company’s potential listing on the London Stock Exchange due to labour and environmental issues.

SOURCE | AP

Kiara Grace

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