Joyful Reunion as Five Thai Hostages Return Home After 500 Days in Gaza

After enduring more than a year of uncertainty, five Thai men who were abducted during the October 2023 conflict in Gaza have been released, marking a milestone moment for their families and the Thai government despite one hostage still missing.

 

In a heartwarming development, five Thai farm workers, kidnapped by Hamas during the October 2023 attacks, have been released after nearly 500 harrowing days in Gaza. The release occurred in a chaotic handover to the Red Cross, bringing immense relief not just to their families but also to officials in Thailand, who have long been active in seeking their safe return. Among those released are Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lamnao, all of whom were working in southern Israel during the crisis.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her elation over the news, asserting that the government is coordinating efforts with Israel for a swift reunion between the freed hostages and their families. However, the heartbreaking reality remains for one Thai national whose fate continues to be uncertain. “We have all waited for this moment with hope,” she stated via social media, conveying optimism for the remaining hostage’s safety.

For relatives of the released workers, the day marked a long-awaited reunion. Wilas Thaenna was overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing of his son Pongsak's release, confessing, "I never thought this day would come. It has been too quiet for too long." His sentiments were echoed by mothers and siblings, who long grappled with anxiety and despair during the ordeal. Wiwwaew Sriaoun, mother of Watchara, could barely contain her joy, eagerly anticipating holding her son once again.

Despite the challenging circumstances, the families remained steadfast in their hope; Sirinna Suwannakham, Sathian's sister, stated that the absence of physical proof of death fueled their belief in his survival. "We never lost hope. We have always waited for him to come home," she explained.

The Thai government confirmed that a total of thirty-one nationals were initially taken hostage during the conflict, with many recovering from the trauma as part of a separate negotiation with Hamas, independent of the broader Israel-Hamas ceasefire established in January. Anticipation lingers as everyone hopes for the swift recovery and return of the remaining Thai hostages, including the last unaccounted individual, Nattapong Pinta.