Tears of joy filled Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport as five Thai hostages, held captive in Gaza for nearly 500 days, reunited with their families on Sunday morning. The freed men Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lamnao had been kidnapped by Hamas during the deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The emotional homecoming was marked by tearful embraces, with families overwhelmed by relief and gratitude. “I don’t know how to put it into words,” said Pongsak Thaenna, one of the freed hostages. “We wouldn’t be here without the officials who worked to secure our release. We are truly grateful.”
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa called the moment “very inspiring,” acknowledging the efforts made by multiple governments and organizations to facilitate the hostages’ return. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also expressed her elation at their release and extended gratitude to Israel, Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and the United States for their mediation efforts.
The freed workers had been held in captivity for 15 months, enduring severe hardships. After their release on January 30, they spent ten days in an Israeli hospital for health monitoring before being flown back to Thailand. Upon arrival, they were met by both family members and government officials.
The Thai government has announced financial support for the freed hostages. Labour Ministry official Boonsong Tapchaiyut confirmed that each survivor will receive a one-time compensation of 600,000 Thai baht (approximately £14,510) and a monthly allowance of £725 until they reach the age of 80, ensuring they do not need to return to Israel for work.
However, one Thai hostage remains unaccounted for. “We have not given up hope,” the foreign minister stated. “We will do everything possible to secure his release.”
Thailand suffered significant losses in the October 7 Hamas attack, with 46 Thai workers killed, some by Hezbollah rocket fire from Lebanon. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, with at least 47,500 Palestinians reported killed in Gaza.
Although the release of the Thai hostages was not part of the ceasefire deal signed on January 19, which has seen the exchange of 21 Israeli hostages and 566 Palestinian prisoners, efforts continue to free remaining captives on both sides.
