Five Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas in Gaza have finally been released, marking the latest development in the ongoing efforts to free the more than 30,000 Thai workers caught in the conflict. The release comes after over three months of intense negotiations, following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which targeted agricultural workers living in southern Israel.
These five individuals are part of a larger group of 31 Thai hostages freed since the war began, with 23 released during a temporary ceasefire in November 2023. The release was facilitated through negotiations between the Thai government, Hamas, and the assistance of Qatar and Iran. The hostages were among the largest group of foreign nationals held by Hamas during the war, with a significant number of Thai workers living in compounds near Israeli kibbutzim, particularly in areas near Gaza. These regions were among the first to be overrun by militants.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that 46 Thais have lost their lives in the conflict, with the status of one still uncertain. The situation for many migrant workers in Israel remains perilous, especially those living in southern regions close to the Gaza border, where intense fighting has taken place.
The five freed hostages include survivors from Kibbutz Nir Oz, where 11 out of 16 Thai workers were killed during the initial assault. Among the survivors, Watchara Sriaoun and Sathian Suwannakham were taken captive, with Sathian recounting his time working in a chicken farm before his abduction. Both men were eventually freed in the most recent wave.
Surasak Rumnao and Pongsak Thaenna, both taken from the town of Yesha near the Gaza border, also shared their emotional stories upon release. Surasak’s mother, Khammee Lamnao, expressed her overwhelming relief after hearing that her son would be returning home. Meanwhile, Pongsak, who had worked in Israel since 2016, described his release as a second chance at life, expressing his eagerness to reunite with his daughter.
The youngest of the five freed, Bannawat Saethao, had been separated from his newborn child when he was taken captive. His release has brought immense relief to his family, as they feared they might never see him again.
As the conflict continues, many Thai families are anxiously awaiting news of other hostages, with the Thai government pressing for the safe return of all those still held. The government’s ongoing negotiations, backed by international diplomacy, remain crucial to resolving the plight of Thai workers trapped in the region.
Key Points:
- Five Thai nationals, taken hostage by Hamas, have been freed in the latest round of releases.
- The Thai government, assisted by Qatar and Iran, has been negotiating the release of hostages since the conflict began in October 2023.
- Many of the hostages were working in agricultural compounds near southern Israel, the first to be attacked by Hamas militants.
- 46 Thai workers have died in the conflict, with one remaining missing and unaccounted for.
- The ongoing crisis has left thousands of Thai workers in peril, with their families anxiously awaiting their return.
Israel-Palestine-Ceasefire Picture by-Ted-Eytan-CCA-SA-4.0
