A high-ranking delegation of Thai officials expressed gratitude and hope following the release of five Thai hostages from Hamas captivity during their emotional visit to Jerusalem's Western Wall. This delegation, including Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Deputy Foreign Minister Russ Jalichandra, and Royal Thai Army Chief of Staff Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee, visited Israel amid efforts to secure not only the release of one remaining Thai hostage but also the bodies of two others still held by Hamas.
The five freed hostages, agricultural workers Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak, were released on January 30 after spending 482 days in captivity. They are currently undergoing recovery at Shamir Medical Center, located in Petah Tikva. Hospital director Dr. Osnat Levzion-Korach reported the five men had been held underground, lacking sunlight for extended periods, yet they did not appear malnourished, largely due to their youthful ages.
During the meeting with Israeli Interior Minister Moshe Arbel on Sunday, the Thai Foreign Minister discussed the future for the released hostages, who have been granted permanent residency status. This development highlights the depth of the diplomatic ties aiming to resolve the precarious situation of individuals affected by the conflict. Separately, Pinta Nattapong, another Thai national aged 36, remains captive, having worked at Kibbutz Nir Oz when Hamas attacked.
The violence on October 7 saw Thailand suffering significant losses, with Hamas killing 44 Thai nationals during their assaults and taking 31 others hostage, as confirmed by Thailand's Foreign Ministry. Two of the remaining hostages, Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, were confirmed killed at Kibbutz Be'eri. Following these tragic events, thousands of Thai laborers, primarily employed in agriculture and construction sectors, returned to Thailand. Even so, there are currently around 38,000 Thai laborers still working within Israel, with expectations to increase this number to 133,000 in 2025.
The release operation is part of the broader negotiations surrounding the Israeli-Hamas ceasefire, intended to secure the freedom of Israeli and foreign hostages held by the militant group. Critics argue the phased release strategy poses risks, as it may leave those not freed early enduring long, uncertain periods of captivity, which may fundamentally undermine the gains made from the recent ceasefire.
At least 1,200 people were killed during the conflict, and the October 7 attacks also led to the kidnapping of 252 individuals, both Israelis and foreigners. Currently, of the 79 hostages who remain, 35 have been officially declared dead.
The emotional visit of the Thai officials to the Western Wall included prayers for all hostages still held captive. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the support the Thai community has received from the Israeli government and its people during these challenging times. According to reports, members of the delegation were deeply moved by the solidarity demonstrated at this sacred site.
The prospect of granting residency to the released hostages not only acknowledges their ordeal but also potentially helps rebuild their lives after such trauma. The situation remains tenuous as the hostage negotiations continue, and the Thai government remains determined to secure the release of all its nationals impacted by the Hamas violence.