Five Thai farm workers, who were released by Hamas in Gaza last month, have returned home after spending nearly 500 days in captivity.
Their emotional homecoming took place at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday morning, where they were embraced by tearful relatives and government officials.
Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lamnao had been working in southern Israel when they were abducted during attacks in October 2023.
Speaking at the airport, Mr. Thaenna expressed gratitude, saying, “I’d like to thank all the officials who were involved in helping us out until we’re standing here. We wouldn’t be here without you. I am truly grateful.”
The group’s return was described as “inspiring” by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, who noted their release on January 30 was part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Upon their arrival at 7:30 AM local time, the five men were met by jubilant relatives and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They had spent 10 days in an Israeli hospital for health monitoring before their return.
Somboon Saethao, father of Bannawat Saethao, expressed joy, saying, “I don’t think I want him to be far from home again.” His son had moved to Israel nine months before the abduction to provide a better income for the family.
In response to their ordeal, the Thai Labour Ministry announced that each former hostage would receive a one-time compensation payment of £14,510 (600,000 baht), along with a monthly pension of £725 until the age of 80, to discourage their return to Israel.
However, one Thai hostage remains unaccounted for. Foreign Minister Sangiampongsa emphasized that efforts to secure his release continue, expressing hope for success.
The release of the five men was facilitated with the help of international mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and the United States, according to Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Since October 2023, 46 Thai workers have been killed during the conflict, most in the initial Hamas attack and others from rocket fire by Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
Hamas’ October 7 assault on Israel led to a brutal conflict, with over 1,200 Israeli fatalities and at least 47,500 Palestinian deaths reported by Gaza’s health ministry. The United Nations has stated that approximately two-thirds of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed in Israeli attacks.
