‘We never gave up’: tears and elation as freed Thai hostages return home from Gaza The group of five workers were greeted at Bangkok airport by overjoyed family members and officials after being held for over a year in Gaza.
The five workers – Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Tanna, Sathian Suwannakham, Surasak Lamnau and Bannawat Saethao – landed in Bangkok early Sunday morning and were met by a small group of overjoyed relatives and officials from the ministry of foreign affairs.
The families of five Thai farm workers held hostage in Gaza for over a year wept with joy and hugged their loved ones as they arrived in Bangkok on Sunday.
Foreign minister Maris Sangiampongsa said it was “very inspiring” to witness their return, and that officials would monitor their reintegration into Thai society, “focusing on their mental health”.
Somboon Saethao, the father of Bannawat, said he was “so happy” and that his family would welcome his son home with a traditional Thai ceremony.
