Govt prepares to bring freed hostages home, hopes remaining 20 will also escape unscathed

He added that the nine men and one woman released are in good humour and do not appear to be traumatised.

The Thai embassy in Tel Aviv has been in contact with the families of the 10 former hostages, though direct communication with the released individuals may not have occurred yet.

The minister said at present the former hostages’ main requests are to be allowed to shower and to speak to their families.

Parnpree said the release of the Thai hostages was the result of coordinated efforts involving several countries, including Qatar, Iran, Egypt and other Arab nations.

Thailand has written letters of gratitude to the countries that assisted, he said.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri, who is in Thailand on an official visit, assured Parnpree that there was no reason to worry. Ali said on Thursday that his country was working to resolve the situation promptly.

Separately, Parnpree said the next step will be to ensure the return of the workers released on Friday. He said his ministry has been making preparations and expects to bring them back on commercial flights.

They are currently undergoing verification procedures in Israel and should be ready to travel within 48 hours.

The ministry added that 20 Thais were still being held hostage, an increase from the initial estimate of 26 persons, as four of the people released on Friday had not been included in the list of hostages.

Parnpree said he hopes the remaining 20 being held by Hamas will also return unscathed like this group.

Thousands of Thais work in Israel’s agricultural sector, and records show that they account for the most foreigners killed or missing since the October 7 attack.

According to government statistics, 39 Thais have been killed in the war, while three remain in hospital.