After enduring nearly 500 days of captivity, five Thai farm workers have safely returned home from Gaza, greeted by emotional reunions at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The workers, Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lamnao, were kidnapped by Hamas during attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
The scenes at the airport were poignant as relatives tearfully embraced the freed hostages. Pongsak Thaenna expressed his relief and gratitude: “I’d like to thank all the officials who were involved in helping us out until we’re standing here. We’re very touched and very glad to have returned to our homeland. I am truly grateful.”
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa described the return of the hostages on January 30 as “very inspiring.” Somboon Saethao, father of Bannawat, shared his joy and plans for a traditional Thai welcome for his son, emphasizing a preference to keep him close to home in the future.
Despite their ordeal, the hostages landed in Bangkok to a warm welcome from relatives and officials, following a ten-day health monitoring period at an Israeli hospital. Labour Ministry official Boonsong Tapchaiyut announced financial support for each hostage, including a one-time payment and a lifelong monthly salary, to discourage their need to seek employment abroad.
Tragically, one Thai hostage remains unaccounted for. The Thai government continues its efforts to secure their release, with Foreign Minister Sangiampongsa affirming, “For the sixth Thai hostage who still remains in Gaza, we never refrain from action, we do still have hope and will do whatever until we succeed.”
The hostage crisis is part of a larger conflict that has seen significant casualties and destruction. The release of these hostages, however, was not part of the broader Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal initiated on January 19, which has already seen the exchange of several Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. As the ceasefire progresses, further exchanges are anticipated.