A court in Thailand handed down death sentences Tuesday to two Israelis convicted of drug smuggling. The Foreign Ministry said it is already has begun discussions with the Thai government in an effort to save their lives.

The two were arrested a year ago with thousands of ecstasy pills they allegedly planned to smuggle out of Thailand and sell in other countries. A similar conviction 11 years ago ended up with the release of two Israelis after then-President Ezer Weizman pleaded their case to the kingdom in Thailand.