Five Thai nationals were released after being held hostage for over a year in Gaza under Hamas Captivity. They arrived back in Thailand from Israel at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday. Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, along with Deputy Foreign Minister Russ Jalichandra and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, were present at the airport. They have been released as part of an exchange agreement.

Thailand Ministry Of Foreign Affairs On Freed Workers

Sharing a post on X, the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote, “FM @AmbPoohMaris, VFM @RussJalichandra, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor, welcomed the five recently released Thai nationals upon their arrival to Thailand from Israel at the Suvarnabhumi Airport.”

“The Minister of Foreign Affairs @AmbPoohMaris along with the Assistant Minister @RussJalichandra and the Permanent Secretary of Labor welcomed 5 Thais who were released and returned to Thailand from Israel at Suvarnabhumi Airport. He was pleased that all 5 were safe and reiterated the government’s full commitment to the past. He thanked all parties and is ready to move forward to help another Thai hostage and expedite the return of the bodies of the other 2 Thais who died to Thailand. He also emphasized that all government agencies are ready to fully assist Thais who are working abroad,” the post added.

The workers have been identified as Sathien Suwannakham from Nong Bua Lam Phu, Pongsak Thaenna from Buri Ram, Watchara Sriaoun from Udon Thani, Surasak Rumnao from Udon Thani, and Bannawat Saethao from Nan, as reported by the Bangkok Post.

Grateful And Happy, Says Worker

The workers were received by family members, who embraced them and shed tears of joy at their arrival. One of the workers, Pongsak said, “We are all very grateful and very happy that we get to return to our homeland. We all would really like to thank you. I don’t know what else to say.”

Reportedly, before the conflict between Hamas and Israel began on October 7, 2023, approximately 35,000 Thai workers were in Israel. Around 9,000 returned to Thailand during the conflict, but many chose to return to work in Israel later.