Five Thai nationals freed from Hamas captivity have arrived back in Thailand from Israel. They were welcomed at Suvarnabhumi Airport by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Deputy Foreign Minister Russ Jalichandra, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour. (PICS/AFP)
Updated on : 09 February,2025 11:48 AM IST | Compiled by : Anisha Shrivastava
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to all parties involved in securing the hostages’ release. The government reaffirmed its commitment to securing the release of one remaining Thai hostage and repatriating the remains of two Thai nationals.
The freed individuals are from Nong Bua Lam Phu, Buri Ram, Udon Thani, and Nan provinces. Prior to the Hamas-Israel conflict on 7 October 2023, approximately 35,000 Thai workers were in Israel.
Around 9,000 Thai workers returned home during the conflict, though many later chose to go back to work in Israel. Thailand plans to send 10,000 workers to Israel’s agricultural sector and 8,000 to its construction sector this year.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that three Israeli hostages were also released by Hamas in a separate deal. The released Israeli hostages are receiving initial medical assessments upon their return.
The IDF stated that the returning hostages were being accompanied by IDF and ISA forces. The IDF expressed solidarity with the freed hostages, welcoming them back to Israeli territory.
