Five Thai hostages return home after 482 days captive by Hamas

The five returned to Thailand on Sunday after their recent release. It’s been a long-awaited moment, but some of the last remaining Thai hostages held captive by Hamas are now back on home soil. Five Thai nationals arrived in Bangkok on Sunday, greeted by their families in an emotional embrace. The Thai five have been held in war-torn Gaza for over 15 months following Hamas militant groups attacks on Israel on 7 October, 2023.

But Watchara Sriaoun, 33, Pongsak Thaenna, 36, Sathian Suwannakham, 35, Surasak Rumnao, 31, and Bannawat Saethao, 28 had all been released on 30 January after Israel and Hamas have recently agreed a ceasefire of the conflict, leading to a wider prison exchange. The five have been in Israel recuperating from their ordeal and receiving medical treatment. They began their journey back to Thailand on Saturday evening, having flown from Dubai to Bangkok, with their Emirates EK374 flight landing shortly after 7am Sunday morning.

As the five arrived, escorted by Thailand’s Foreign Minister and government officials, the group emotionally clamped their hands together in prayer, a Buddhist custom, before tearfully opening their arms to their waiting families. The five had been held in captivity for 482 days. Mr Pongsak, one of the five hostages, said it was an overwhelming feeling to be home as he briefly addressed a flurry of reporters at the airport’s arrivals hall.

“Thank you to the ministry’s from getting us back today, without their help we won’t be back today. It is an overwhelming feeling, so thank you very much,” he said. The five had been working in Israel close to the Gaza border when they were kidnapped by Hamas militants. They were part of a group of 31 foreign nationals who had been taken. Twenty-three of that group have since been released. Speaking at the airport on Sunday, Thai Foreign Minister Mr Maris Sangiampongsa, who had travelled to Israel to visit the five shortly after their release, welcomed them home and thanked all those involved in making it possible.

“Today is a very emotional day. It is the most pleasing news to see the Thai nationals return to their homeland. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, all the agencies together and the Prime Minister, we never gave up hope that is today. “The tears of joy are our encouragement. We thank all the friendly countries that have helped make today happen. Family is the most important. As you can say they are all healthy, but mental health will be the next important thing. We will continue to support,” he said.

Following the press conference, the five agricultural workers and their families quickly left the airport and began the last leg of their journey home in Thailand’s northern regions. Since the Israel-Hamas war began, dozens of Thais have been killed during the conflict. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the total is now 46, including two during the October 7 attacks. One Thai national, Nattapong Pingsa, remains unaccounted for.

“We will do our upmost to have the remaining hostage returned to Thailand, as well as the remains of those two who have passed away,” Mr Maris added. Thousands of Thais live in Israel, most of which are migrants working in the agricultural sector. Prior to the war, there was around 30,000 Thais living in the country. The first group of Thai workers returned just days after the conflict began, after two flights flew 41 back to Bangkok. Around 7,000 Thais have returned home since then.