Five Thai nationals who were held captive in Gaza for more than a year have finally returned home after their release last month. The former hostages—Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Sarusak Rumnao, and Bannawat Saethao—were warmly embraced by their families upon landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday morning.
“We are all deeply touched to come back to our birthplace … to be standing here,” said 36-year-old Pongsak Thaenna. “I don’t know what else to say, we are all truly thankful.”
Bannawat’s father, Somboon Saethao, expressed his overwhelming joy, saying, “I don’t think I want him to be far from home again.” He added that the family would welcome his son back with a traditional Thai ceremony.
The five men were released last month in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, as part of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel that temporarily halted the 15-month conflict. Their return was facilitated through diplomatic efforts involving Thailand, Israel, Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkiye, and the United States.
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, who accompanied the freed captives from Israel, said their safe return was the result of relentless efforts. “This is emotional … to come back to the embrace of their families. We never gave up, and this was the fruit of that,” he said.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said she was “elated” at their release and expressed gratitude to all nations that helped secure their freedom.
One Thai National Still in Captivity
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday that one Thai national remains in captivity in Gaza. “We still have hope and continue to work to bring them back,” Foreign Minister Maris stated. Authorities are also working to repatriate the remains of two Thai nationals who were killed.
A total of 31 Thai workers were taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023. Of those, 23 were released in 2023, while two were confirmed dead in May last year.
Before the war, approximately 30,000 Thai laborers worked in Israel’s agriculture sector, making up one of the country’s largest migrant worker groups. Since the outbreak of hostilities, nearly 9,000 Thais have been repatriated.
Reporting from Udon Thani, where two of the returnees’ families reside, Al Jazeera’s Tony Cheng said all five men appeared to be in good physical health. Thai officials have pledged to support them in reintegrating into normal life over the coming months.
“We spoke to the family of Sriaoun, and they are incredibly excited to welcome him home,” Cheng said. His mother, despite her frustration over the lack of communication during his captivity, remained steadfast in her faith. His nine-year-old daughter expressed only one wish: “All I want to do is give my dad a hug.”
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