BEER YAAKOV, Israel (AP) — After enduring over 480 days of captivity, the release of five Thai hostages held by Hamas brought immense joy and relief to their families and officials. The emotional reunion was marked by video calls and celebrations at the Shamir Medical Center, where the hostages arrived for medical examinations before their return home.
Surasak Rumnao, 32, one of the released hostages, appeared significantly changed. His mother, Khammee Lamnao, expressed her disbelief and overwhelming joy upon seeing her son via Facebook livestream, admitting she struggled to recognize him at first due to his pale and puffy appearance. "I was so happy I could not eat anything. His father brought some food to me, but I did not want to eat at all," she shared during a video call with The Associated Press.
On Thursday, as the five men stepped off a military helicopter, the jubilant scene included waving flags, singing, and cheers from doctors, nurses, and representatives from both Israel and Thailand. Not only were the Thai nationals released, but three Israelis—Gadi Moses, 80, Arbel Yehoud, 29, and female soldier Agam Berger, 20—were also freed as part of the same exchange, with Israel releasing 110 Palestinian prisoners.
The five released Thai hostages, alongside Pongsak Thaenna, 36, Sathian Suwannakham, 35, Watchara Sriaoun, 33, Bannawat Saethao, 27, and Surasak Rumnao, were part of the largest group of foreign nationals taken by Hamas during their attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. At least 31 Thai nationals were kidnapped during this assault, with many working at agricultural sites on the outskirts of the Gaza Strip.
The day of their release was significant for Thailand, where Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed gratitude to the nations involved in the negotiations, including Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, the United States, and Israel. She indicated the possibility of sending representatives from the Thai government to greet the released hostages if their medical conditions allowed for travel.
"The Thai government and everyone here have long been waiting for this very moment," said Prime Minister Shinawatra on social media. Amidst tears of joy, families welcomed the news of their loved ones' return.
Despite the joyous atmosphere, the gravity of the circumstances surrounding the hostages' release was palpable. Dr. Osnat Levzion-Korach, director of Shamir Medical Center, reported the hostages were in "fair" health. "They were held underground and didn't see sunlight for long periods...but they did not seem malnourished," she stated, attributing their relatively good condition to their youth.
Thailand's ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, noted the emotional video calls they facilitated, describing them as filled with shouts of joy and tears. It was "one of the happiest days of her life" to see the hostages finally released, just one week before ending her five-year term.
Currently, the Thai government is coordinating with Israel to facilitate the return of the freed hostages, among whom many are key breadwinners for their families back home. Thailand’s minister of foreign affairs is expected to visit Israel, and logistical challenges are being addressed, as some relatives lack passports.
According to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the conflict has claimed the lives of 46 Thai citizens, with two killed during the October 7 attack whose bodies were taken by Hamas. The released hostages' situation brings hope for the remaining captive, Nattapong Pingsa, alongside other foreign nationals still held.
The chaotic handover of hostages highlighted the tensions involved, with crowds surging toward them during the transfer process. This prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to suspend plans for subsequent prisoner releases until safe conditions could be guaranteed for future exchanges.
Despite the precarious situation, Eyal Gandal, deputy spokesperson for Israel's foreign ministry, emphasized Israel's commitment to freeing all hostages, regardless of nationality. Thais, Nepalis, and Tanzanians remain among those unaccounted for, and discussions are set to begin next week to continue negotiations for their release.
Before the October attack, over 30,000 Thai nationals resided and worked in Israel, drawn by the promise of higher wages. While many returned to Thailand following the outbreak of violence, the opportunity for financial stability continues to motivate new arrivals.
The successful release of the Thai hostages not only brings closure to their families but also sheds light on the enduring relationships between Thailand and Israel, rooted deeply through shared efforts and support during challenging times.
The Thai ambassador's meeting with President Isaac Herzog following the release focused not only on the return of the hostages but also on the strengthening ties between the two nations. Ambassador Chandraramya thanked Herzog for Israel's earnest efforts and their collaborative work during this complex situation.
The road to recovery for the freed hostages now begins, with hopes for swift reunions with their families awaiting them back home.