Five Thai workers who were held hostage in Gaza for over a year have been released and returned to Bangkok. The workers, Sarusak Rumnao, Watchara Sriaoun, Sathian Suwannakham, Pongsak Thaenna, and Bannawat Saethao, were freed on January 30 as part of an exchange arrangement.
Upon their arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the workers were greeted by emotional family members and officials, including Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Orna Sagiv. Pongsak expressed gratitude for their release, stating, 'We are all very grateful and very happy that we get to return to our homeland.'
Maris Sangiampongsa highlighted the government's unwavering efforts in securing the workers' release, emphasizing that the tears of joy serve as encouragement. He also mentioned that efforts would continue to secure the release of the remaining Thai hostage.
The group, hailing from Thailand's northern and northeastern regions, quickly departed from the airport to reunite with their families. This release marks the second batch of Thai hostages freed since the conflict began. In a previous ceasefire in November 2023, 23 Thai nationals were also released through negotiations involving Thailand, Hamas, Qatar, and Iran.
