On January 31, 2025, five Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel were finally released, marking a bittersweet moment as the ordeal of many lays bare the grim realities of conflict.
Those released—Sarusak Rumnao, Watchara Sriaoun, Sathian Suwannakham, Pongsak Thaenna, and Bannawat Saethao—were among 31 Thai hostages taken by the militant group. Their release came as part of the terms of a ceasefire agreement reached between Hamas and Israel. The handover, which unfolded amid chaotic scenes at Gaza’s Khan Younis, drew hundreds of onlookers eager to witness the moment.
Stepping off the military helicopter and entering a hospital outside Tel Aviv, the emotional reunion was palpable as cheers erupted from doctors and nurses. “Soon they will return to their families,” declared the Thai embassy in Israel on social media.
Thrilled families gathered eagerly, but not all were clear of joy; hidden behind happiness was the aching worry for those still unaccounted for. For Watchara Sriaoun's family, the relief of knowing he was alive was overwhelming. “It is confirmed, my son did not die. Thank you, God,” his mother tearfully told AFP. “I will hug him when I see him. I want to see if his health is OK; I am worried about his health,” she added, as emotions flooded her words amid sobs.
The story of how so many Thai nationals ended up as hostages begins with the economic realities of labor migration to Israel. Over decades, Israel has relied heavily on foreign agricultural workers, particularly from Thailand, where job opportunities are scarce. Before the attack, around 30,000 Thai laborers worked primarily on farms, drawn by higher wages than they could earn at home.
While the recent developments brought relief to some families, others still wait anxiously for news of their loved ones. Natthapong Pinta, only one of the Thai nationals not yet released, remains captive, with his family clinging to hopes of his safe return. At their home in Rongkwang district, Phrae province, his father Lop, aged 84, and sister Thanchanok have endured months of uncertainty and desperate worry.
“There has been no news of his release,” shared Thanchanok, emphasizing the family's distress. Natthapong had been employed in Israel for over a year before his disappearance on October 7, and communication with him abruptly ceased after he was captured. The family, rooted deeply in their customs, consulted fortune-tellers, believing they could gain insights or perhaps affirmation of their brother's safety. “All of them have confirmed he is still alive,” said Thanchanok, lifting their spirits slightly, just enough to keep their hopes alive.
The plight of the Thai hostages is not isolated; it mirrors the experiences of many migrant workers subject to extraordinary risks and challenges abroad. The Israeli-Hamas conflict has taken their lives, with reports indicating 46 Thai workers have died since hostilities escalated, including the two who perished during their captivity.
While some workers returned home following the October 7 attacks, others still brave the challenges for the promise of higher earnings, demonstrating the complex interplay between economic necessity and personal safety. The Thai Foreign Ministry has been active, noting the troubling statistics: 46 dead and 28 released hostages, amid rising fears for the remaining laborers.
With the number of Thai workers currently surging to over 38,000, it becomes evident just how entrenched this community is within Israel’s labor market. Following the exodus, Israel's Agriculture Ministry proposed several incentives, including extended work visas and monthly bonuses of about $500, to lure back foreign workers, hoping to mitigate labor shortages caused by the recent violence.
This situation raises questions about the safety and rights of migrant workers, as critics point to their often hazardous working conditions, which have become widely acknowledged. Human Rights Watch reports have indicated systemic abuses, including inadequate housing, substandard wages, and unsafe labor environments, prompting calls for reassessment of labor policies guarding these individuals.
Despite the turmoil and fears, many Thai nationals continue to arrive, seeking work to support families back home, demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity.
The release of the five Thai hostages provides fleeting hope, yet the uncertainty surrounding Natthapong’s fate looms large over his family and the communities affected. Many still fight for answers and their loved ones, hoping for the day when everyone can return home safely.