**Five Thai farm workers, held hostage by Hamas for nearly 500 days, were joyously reunited with their families in Bangkok, with officials promising ongoing support and efforts to locate the sixth hostage.**
**Joyful Reunion: Thai Hostages Return Home After 15 Months in Captivity**
**Joyful Reunion: Thai Hostages Return Home After 15 Months in Captivity**
**Thai families celebrate the return of five hostages released from Gaza; continued efforts to locate remaining captive highlighted.**
Five Thai farm workers, who were held captive by Hamas for almost 15 months, have finally returned to Thailand, reuniting with their families amidst an emotional welcome at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. The men—Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lamnao—were released in late January 2024 as a part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas following their abduction during the conflict in October 2023.
The reunion was marked by tears and laughter as families embraced their loved ones. "I can't find words to express my feelings," said Mr. Thaenna, expressing gratitude towards officials who facilitated their release. Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa described the homecoming as "very inspiring," emphasizing the importance of their return after spending the preceding week in an Israeli hospital for medical monitoring.
Upon arriving in Bangkok on January 30, the men were joined by jubilant family members and officials from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Saethao's father, Somboon, conveyed his happiness and announced plans for a traditional Thai welcoming ceremony, stating his desire for his son to remain close to home. Mrs. Wiayada Saethao reflected on the emotional toll of her husband's absence, assuring him that they were finally home.
To support the returning hostages, Boonsong Tapchaiyut from the Ministry of Labour revealed that each would receive a compensation of approximately £14,510 (600,000 baht) and a monthly salary of £725 until they reach the age of 80—a measure aimed at preventing their return to work in Israel. Meanwhile, the fate of one remaining Thai hostage, still unaccounted for, was not forgotten. Foreign Minister Sangiampongsa emphasized their commitment to locating him.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her elation over the hostages' return, recognizing the collaborative efforts of various countries, including Israel, Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and the United States, in securing their release. Thailand's foreign ministry reported that since the onset of the conflict in October 2023, 46 Thai workers have been killed, most during Hamas's initial attack, with others perishing from Hezbollah's rocket fire.
The conflict has had devastating consequences on both sides. As a result of the October 7 Hamas assault on Israel, 251 hostages were taken, while the hostilities have led to the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with reports indicating at least 47,500 Palestinian fatalities due to Israeli military actions, and a significant destruction of infrastructure across the region, as noted by the United Nations.
