Thai Gaza hostages: Freed men arrive home to tears of joy in Bangkok

The five Thai farmworkers, who were released by Hamas in Gaza last month, have arrived in Bangkok, ending their nearly 500-day ordeal of captivity. These five men were abducted during the October 2023 attacks, after having been working in southern Israel. Their safe return marks a significant moment of relief and closure for their families and the nation.

An emotional scene unfolded at the arrival hall of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok on Sunday morning, as the five men were embraced by tearful relatives. "I don't know how to express it," said Mr. Pongsak Thinnakon, one of the released hostages. The reunion highlighted the profound impact of their captivity and the joy of their homecoming.

Mr. Thinnakon stated, "I would like to thank all the officials involved in helping us until we are standing here. Without your help, we wouldn't be standing here. We are very touched and very happy to be back in our homeland. I am really very grateful." His words reflected the deep gratitude felt by the released hostages towards those who facilitated their freedom.

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said it was "very encouraging" to see them return home after being released on January 30 under the framework of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Mr. Sompong Sae-Taw, father of Sae-Taw, said he was "very glad" and that his family would welcome his son home with a traditional Thai ceremony. "I don't want him to be away from home anymore," he told AFP. The minister's statement underscores the government's commitment to securing the release of its citizens held abroad.

He added that Mr. Sae-Taw had moved to Israel nine months before being abducted in search of better income for his family. His wife, Viada Sae-Taw, told BBC Thai that the 15 months her husband was held hostage was a painful period. "Don't be afraid anymore. We are home now. We are in Thailand. We are going home," she said. Her poignant words capture the relief and hope that now permeates their lives.

After arriving in Bangkok at 07:30 local time (00:30 GMT), the five men were greeted by a small group of overjoyed relatives and government officials. They had spent the past 10 days in an Israeli hospital so that their health could be monitored. The five men will now travel to their respective hometowns. This medical check-up was crucial to ensure their well-being after the traumatic experience of captivity.

Labour Ministry official Bunsong Thaisri said each hostage would receive a one-off payment of about £14,510 (600,000 baht) and a monthly wage of £725 until the age of 80 to ensure they do not have to return to Israel. One Thai hostage remains unaccounted for. This financial support aims to provide stability and security for the released workers as they reintegrate into society.

Foreign Minister Sangiampongsa said: "For the sixth Thai hostage who is still in Gaza, we have never stopped our operations, we still have hope and will do everything we can until we succeed." Last month, after the five hostages were handed over in Khan Younis, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said she was "delighted" they were free from captivity. She thanked Israel, as well as Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and the United States for their work in securing the release. The Prime Minister's statement highlights the ongoing efforts to locate and secure the release of the remaining hostage.

According to Bangkok's foreign ministry, 46 Thai workers have been killed since October 2023, most of them in the Hamas attacks and some by rockets fired by Lebanese Hezbollah. Hamas abducted 251 hostages and killed about 1,200 people when it attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, sparking the regional war. At least 47,500 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza. The UN says about two-thirds of buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli strikes. The devastating impact of the conflict on both Israelis and Palestinians underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.