After enduring more than a year in captivity in Gaza, five Thai workers have finally returned home to Bangkok. The group, comprising Sarusak Rumnao, Watchara Sriaoun, Sathian Suwannakham, Pongsak Thaenna, and Bannawat Saethao, arrived on Sunday following their release on January 30th as part of a negotiated exchange.
The arrival of the Thai nationals was met with emotional reunions at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where family members awaited the return of their loved ones. Some could not hold back tears as they embraced the freed hostages, highlighting the immense relief and joy that their ordeal had finally ended.
The Thai Foreign Minister and the Israeli Ambassador were present at the airport to greet the returning hostages. During a brief news conference, Pongsak Thaenna expressed gratitude for the support received, stating, “We are all very grateful and very happy that we get to return to our homeland. We all would really like to thank you. I don’t know what else to say.”
Thai Foreign Minister emphasized the persistent efforts of the Thai government to ensure the hostages’ release and expressed hope for the safe return of the last remaining Thai hostage. This marks the second release of Thai hostages since the conflict began, with a previous group released in November 2023 during an earlier ceasefire arrangement.
Hamas militants had initially seized 31 Thai nationals during an assault in October 2023, capturing the largest group of foreign hostages. The Thai nationals were working as agricultural laborers in southern Israel when they were taken. The incident left 46 Thai citizens dead, demonstrating the severe impact of the conflict.
Before returning to Thailand, the freed hostages underwent medical assessments at a hospital near Tel Aviv, facilitated by the Israeli government. Assistance from Thailand and other regional players, such as Qatar and Iran, was instrumental in negotiating the release. The last remaining Thai hostage, Nattapong Pingsa, along with the bodies of two deceased Thais, remain priorities for Thai authorities.
The Thai workforce in Israel has been significant due to a bilateral agreement facilitating agricultural employment. This tragic incident underscores the risks faced by foreign workers in conflict zones and highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts required to ensure their safety.
The safe return of the Thai hostages marks a significant relief for their families and underscores the complex challenges of international hostage negotiations. The Thai government remains focused on securing the release of the last Thai captive and honoring those who lost their lives.
