After more than a year in captivity, five Thai farm workers held hostage in Gaza were joyfully reunited with their families upon arriving in Bangkok on Sunday.
The freed hostages—Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Tanna, Sathian Suwannakham, Surasak Lamnau, and Bannawat Saethao—landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 7:30 a.m. local time, where emotional relatives embraced them. Their release on January 30 was part of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the ongoing war in Gaza.
Pongsak expressed his overwhelming emotions, stating, “I am at a loss for words. I thank everyone who helped us. We can finally return to our motherland.” Meanwhile, Bannawat’s father, Somboon Saethao, shared his relief, saying he never wanted his son to be far from home again. Bannawat had moved to Israel nine months before his abduction in search of better financial opportunities.
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa called their return “inspiring” and assured that officials would closely monitor their reintegration, particularly their mental well-being. Each of the former hostages will receive a one-time payment of $18,000 and a monthly stipend of $900 until they reach the age of 80 to ensure they do not need to return to Israel for work.
Their release follows the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, during which 31 Thais were taken hostage. By the end of 2023, 23 had been freed, while two were confirmed dead. One Thai national is still believed to be alive in Gaza.
The chaotic handover of the hostages in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, was marked by Islamic Jihad and Hamas fighters struggling to control large crowds. Following their release, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her gratitude to Israel and mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and the United States.
Since the conflict began, 46 Thai workers have lost their lives, mostly during the Hamas attack and subsequent Hezbollah rocket strikes from Lebanon. Despite the risks, Thailand’s labour ministry recently announced plans to send an additional 13,000 workers to Israel.
AFP
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