Happiness and grief as first 17 hostages released by Hamas arrive in Thailand
Seventeen Thai workers taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 arrived safely back at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thursday afternoon.
After stepping onto Thai soil, the group expressed gratitude to all parties involved in securing their release.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin asked about their well-being via a video call and said urgent efforts were being made to free the remaining nine Thais being held by Hamas.
Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Ankara escorted the repatriated Thais as they disembarked from EL AL flight LY081 at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Parnpree travelled to Israel last week to oversee the repatriation of the group, who were released on the first day of a ceasefire on November 24. The 17 freed hostages underwent a week of health checks and monitoring in Israel before boarding the flight home today.
After meeting with their families, the Thai workers took a video call with the prime minister. Srettha inquired about their well-being and they assured him they were in good spirits.
The prime minister also asked them about the nine Thais who are still being held captive in Gaza. The workers said they had not encountered the nine while being held captive so they had no information on their situation.
The group added that they had been treated adequately by their Hamas captors. Srettha expressed hope that everyone would return safely from the ordeal.
The repatriated workers expressed gratitude to the Thai public for their support and solidarity during their captivity. They also expressed grief for the 39 Thais killed by Hamas during the militant group’s October 7 attack and invited everyone to join in a moment of silence.
They then thanked Srettha, Parnpree, and all agencies who helped ensure their safe release.
Parnpree said a total of 23 Thai workers have now been released, confirming that efforts were ongoing to free the remaining nine being held by Hamas. Six workers released this week are expected to return to Thailand soon.
He also expressed gratitude to “international friends” who had provided assistance and shown great love for the Thai people.
