Five Thai farm workers who were released by Hamas in Gaza last month have returned to Bangkok after enduring nearly 500 days in captivity.
On October 7, 2023, Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lamnao were taken captive while working in southern Israel amid the assaults carried out by Hamas.
Emotional scenes unfolded on Sunday morning as tearful relatives embraced the five men at the arrivals hall of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
“I find it challenging to articulate my feelings,” stated Mr. Pongsak, the released hostage.
Gratitude is extended to all the officials who played a crucial role in supporting us until now.
“Your support has been instrumental in getting us to this point.” The sentiment of gratitude and emotion is palpable as we return to our homeland. My gratitude knows no bounds.
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said it was “very inspiring” to observe their return after being released on January 30.
Somboon Saethao, the father of Mr Bannawat, expressed his joy, stating he was “so happy” and that his family plans to welcome his son home with a traditional Thai ceremony.
“I don’t think I want him to be far from home again,” his father expressed in an interview with AFP.
Mr Bannawat relocated to Israel nine months before his abduction, seeking improved financial opportunities for his family, he stated.
Wiayada Saethao, the wife of the hostage, shared with BBC Thai reporters that the 15 months her husband endured in captivity were marked by immense suffering.
“Fear no longer holds power over you.” The family has returned home. Thailand is the current location of our activities. “We are returning home,” she stated.
Upon their arrival in Bangkok at 07:30 local time (00:30 GMT), the five individuals were greeted by a small gathering of jubilant relatives and government officials.
The individuals spent the last ten days at an Israeli hospital for health monitoring.
The five men are set to return to their respective hometowns.
Boonsong Tapchaiyut, an official from the labour ministry, announced that each hostage would be granted a one-time payment of approximately £14,510 (600,000 Thai baht), in addition to a monthly salary of £725 until they reach the age of 80, aimed at preventing their return to Israel.
Authorities report that one Thai hostage is still unaccounted for.
“We continue to take action for the sixth Thai hostage still in Gaza. Our hope remains unwavering, and we will do everything in our power until we succeed, ” the Thai foreign minister stated.
In a statement following the recent handover of five hostages in Khan Yunis, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her joy at their release from captivity.
She expressed gratitude to Israel, along with Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and the United States, for their efforts in facilitating the releases.
According to the foreign ministry in Bangkok, a total of 46 Thai workers have lost their lives since October 2023. The majority of these fatalities resulted from the Hamas attack, while others were caused by rockets launched by the Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the seizure of 251 hostages and the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, an event that marked the beginning of the Gaza war.
According to the health ministry operated by Hamas in Gaza, the death toll among Palestinians has reached at least 47,500 as a result of Israel’s military offensive. The United Nations reports that approximately two-thirds of buildings in Gaza have suffered damage or destruction as a result of Israeli military actions.
The recent release of Thai hostages is not included in the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas established on January 19. This deal has thus far resulted in the release of 21 Israeli hostages and 566 Palestinian prisoners.
As the initial phase of the ceasefire approaches its conclusion in three weeks, it is anticipated that 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners will be released. Israel reports that eight out of the 33 individuals are deceased.
