After being held captive in Gaza for over a year, five Thai nationals have finally returned home. Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Sarusak Rumnao, and Bannawat Saethao were warmly welcomed by their families upon landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport. Expressing their gratitude, Pongsak mentioned how touched they were to be back in their home country.
The families of the captives expressed immense joy and happiness at their return. Bannawat’s father, Somboon Saethao, shared his delight and revealed plans for a traditional Thai homecoming ceremony. The five men were released as part of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, ending the prolonged Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, who accompanied the captives back from Israel, expressed relief and emotional satisfaction at their safe return. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her elation and extended thanks to various countries for their efforts in securing the men’s release.
All five men were reported to be in good physical health upon their return to Thailand. The government plans to monitor and support them in readjusting to their normal lives over the following months. One Thai national remains captive in Gaza, and efforts are ongoing to secure their release.
Prior to the conflict, a significant number of Thai laborers were employed in Israel’s agriculture sector. The repatriation of nearly 9,000 Thai workers has been facilitated since the outbreak of the conflict, particularly from the impoverished northeastern region of Thailand.