Five Thai farm workers have returned to Bangkok after spending nearly 500 days in captivity in Gaza. Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lamnao were kidnapped during the October 2023 attacks in southern Israel.
“I’m so happy to be back,” Mr Thaenna shared. “We couldn’t have made it without the help we received.”
Reunions at Bangkok airport
When the men arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday morning, they reunited with their families. The reunion came after they were freed on 30 January as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
“I feel so grateful for everything,” Mr Thaenna said. He expressed his appreciation for everyone who had supported their release.
Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, called the men’s return an inspiring moment for the country. In addition, Somboon Saethao, father of one of the hostages, expressed his happiness. He explained that the family had prepared a traditional Thai ceremony to welcome his son home.
Before the kidnapping, Mr Saethao had moved to Israel in search of a better life. His wife, Wiayada, said the 15 months he spent in captivity were extremely difficult. She added, “We are finally home, in Thailand.”
Support for the released hostages
The men spent the last 10 days in an Israeli hospital, where they received health checks. Upon arrival in Bangkok at 07:30 local time, they were greeted by family members and government officials.
Each man will receive a one-time payment of £14,510 (600,000 baht). Furthermore, the government will provide a monthly salary of £725 until the age of 80. This support ensures they won’t need to return to Israel.
Sadly, one Thai hostage is still missing. However, Foreign Minister Sangiampongsa confirmed that efforts to bring him home will continue. “We will not rest until we succeed,” he said.
Thai workers’ losses and the ongoing conflict
Since October 2023, 46 Thai workers have tragically lost their lives. The majority died during the Hamas attack, while others were killed by rocket fire from Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The October 2023 Hamas attack resulted in the death of around 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza, which has caused over 47,500 Palestinian deaths. Additionally, the UN reports that Israel’s airstrikes have destroyed or damaged two-thirds of Gaza’s buildings.
