Panpree calls on Qatar, Iran to help secure release of Thais held hostage by Hamas
Foreign Minister Panpree Bahiddha-Nukara travelled to Qatar to meet the prime minister and discuss how Thailand can secure the release of its 22 nationals being held hostage by Hamas.
The meeting with Qatar PM Sheik Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, who also doubles as Foreign Minister, was held in Doha on Tuesday.
At the meeting, Panpree praised Qatar’s role in providing humanitarian aid to war victims and working hard to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Both Thailand and Qatar back negotiations that can lead to a genuine resolution to the conflict. The leaders also expressed condolences for the loss of lives and damage to property, with the Qatar PM commiserating for the deaths of 32 Thai workers. Sheikh Mohammed also agreed to provide full assistance to secure the release of Thai hostages, confirming that Thailand was not involved in the conflict and its nationals should be among the first freed by the militants.
The two sides also discussed enhancing cooperation and expanding bilateral ties in various sectors, particularly energy, food security, medical tourism and trade and investment.
Later in the day, Panpree met Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, also in Doha.
Both sides expressed concern about the volatile situation in Israel and Gaza, and the impact it is having on innocent civilians. Panpree also sought Iran’s support to expedite the release of Thai hostages, to which Iran pledged its full support.
Both parties also discussed expanding cooperation and promoting bilateral relations on all dimensions.
Panpree’s next stop was Cairo, where he met key officials calling for assistance in securing the release of Thai hostages.
The two sides also exchanged views on the situation and developments in the Middle East.
Panpree said that though the Thai government is committed to securing the swift release of all hostages, their exact location is unknown. He said nobody knows if Hamas is keeping the hostages inside or outside the Gaza Strip.
Nevertheless, he added, the Thai government is ready to engage in negotiations through any available channels to secure their release.
