Five Thai workers, held captive in Gaza for over a year, were released as part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and arrived in Bangkok. This follows the earlier release of some hostages in November 2023. The Thai Foreign Minister met with Israeli officials to seek continued support for the release of remaining hostages and the recovery of deceased Thais.
Five Thai workers, who were held hostage for over a year in Gaza , arrived in Bangkok on Sunday. They were the second batch of Thai hostages released since the war broke out. During an earlier ceasefire in November 2023, four of the five workers were flown to Israel for medical treatment at a hospital outside Tel Aviv prior to their return. Four of them were joined by one relative each earlier this week. The trip was sponsored by the Israel i government, according to the Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv.
Hamas militants kidnapped 31 Thai nationals during the Oct. 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel, making them the largest group of foreigners held captive. The workers lived in compounds on the outskirts of southern Israeli kibbutzim and towns, and Hamas militants overran those places first. A total of 46 Thais have been killed during the conflict, including two Thai citizens who were killed during the attack and their bodies taken into Gaza, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There was no immediate information available about Nattapong Pingsa, who is the last Thai hostage left in Gaza, nor the two Thai workers whose bodies were taken into Gaza. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sagniampongsa traveled to Israel to visit the five freed men shortly after their release. Maris met with his Israeli counterparts seeking support to secure the release of the remaining Thai hostage and retrieve the bodies of the two deceased Thais. Thai workers remain the largest group of foreign agricultural laborers in Israel. The countries implemented a bilateral agreement a decade ago specifically easing the way for Thai agricultural workers. Many Palestinian workers had since returned, and before the Hamas attack about half of Israel’s workforce was made up of foreign and Palestinian laborers
Thailand Gaza Hamas Hostages Israel Ceasefire Foreign Workers Thai Embassy
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Israel Releases Three Israeli Hostages and Five Thai Captives in Gaza TruceIsrael commenced the release of three Israeli hostages and five Thai captives on Thursday, marking the third such exchange since a ceasefire agreement came into effect earlier this month. This prisoner swap is part of a broader truce aimed at de-escalating the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The agreement also involves Israel releasing another 110 Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas is expected to release a total of 33 Israeli hostages in phases.
Read more »
Three Israeli Hostages and Five Thai Nationals Released from GazaIn a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, three Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals held captive by Palestinian militants for over 15 months have been released and returned to Israel. This exchange, part of a larger multi-phase deal brokered by international mediators, marks a step towards easing tensions and securing the release of remaining hostages.
Read more »
Three Israeli and Five Thai Hostages Released by Hamas in GazaThree Israeli and five Thai hostages have been released by Palestinian militants from captivity in Gaza after over 15 months. The hostages were handed over to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross and subsequently returned to Israel.
Read more »
Third round of Gaza hostage releases begins; 110 Palestinian prisoners to be freedEight hostages – three Israeli and five Thai – are set to be released from Gaza on Thursday.
Read more »
Israeli doctors say five released Thai hostages in 'fair' health after 15 months of captivityFive Thai hostages have been released after 15 months of captivity in the Gaza Strip.
Read more »
Israeli doctors say five released Thai hostages in 'fair' health after 15 months of captivityFive Thai hostages have been released after 15 months of captivity in the Gaza Strip.
Read more »