Families of Thai farm workers held hostage in Gaza for over a year were overcome with emotion as they embraced their loved ones upon their arrival in Bangkok on Sunday.
The five hostages—Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Tanna, Sathian Suwannakham, Surasak Lamnau, and Bannawat Saethao—arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 7:30 am (0030 GMT), following their release on January 30 as part of a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the Gaza conflict.
The men smiled in relief as they walked into the arrivals hall, where they were greeted by a small group of tearful relatives and officials from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Pongsak Tanna, visibly emotional, expressed his gratitude to those who helped secure their freedom. “I’m at a loss for words. I thank everyone who helped us. We wouldn’t be here today without them. We can finally return home,” he said.
Somboon Saethao, the father of Bannawat, shared his overwhelming joy, adding that the family would celebrate his son’s return with a traditional Thai ceremony. “I don’t want him to go far from home again,” Somboon said, recalling that his son had moved to Israel seeking a better income.
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa called the return of the hostages “very inspiring” and assured that the Thai government would support their reintegration into society, with particular attention to their mental health.
“We never gave up on these hostages,” the minister said during a press conference at the airport.
The five men are now returning to their hometowns, where they will receive a one-time payment of $18,000 (600,000 baht), along with a monthly allowance of $900 until the age of 80, to ensure they don’t need to return to Israel.
Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, 31 Thais were abducted. While 23 were freed by the end of 2023, two were confirmed dead in May, and one is still believed to be alive in Gaza.
The chaotic handover of the five hostages in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza last month saw Islamic Jihad and Hamas fighters struggling to control hundreds of onlookers.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her “elation” at their freedom and thanked Israel, as well as Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and the United States, for their role in securing the release.
A total of 46 Thai workers have lost their lives since October 2023, with most casualties resulting from the Hamas attack and some from rocket fire by Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Thailand’s Ministry of Labor recently announced plans to increase its workforce in Israel by 13,000 workers.
AFP
