Hamas just released 5 Thai hostages – here's what we know about them
Five Thai Agricultural Workers, Held In Gaza Since October 2023, Are Scheduled to Begin Their Journey Home Today.
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TEL AVIV — Five Thai nationals held captive in Gaza since the October 7 attack are scheduled for release today as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Thai embassy officials confirmed.
The group includes Thaenna Pongsak, 35, from Buri Ram Province; Sathian Suwannakhan, 34; Sriaoun Watchara, 32, from Udon Thani province; Saethao Bannawat, 27; and Rumnao Surasak, 32.
Thaenna Pongsak was originally from Buri Ram Province in Thailand, he has been working in Israel for over six years in the agricultural sector. His primary motivation for working abroad was to support his 15-year-old daughter financially.
Sathian Suwannakhan was working in Kibbutz Nir Oz when he was taken hostage. Sathian was part of a group of Thai workers at the kibbutz, where four were killed and several, including him, were abducted. His mother saw a video of him being wounded during the attack.
Sriaoun Watchara worked in Israel alongside his brother to repay family debts and cover medical expenses for their father. Sriaoun is from Udon Thani province in Thailand. His family has been actively praying for his return at their local church.
Saethao Bannawat and Rumnao Surasak were working in Israel's agricultural sector when they were taken hostage during the October 7 attack. Pongsak had been employed in Israel for over six years.
The Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv reported that medical teams are standing by to assess the hostages' condition upon release. Embassy officials stated the men will be transported to a medical facility for evaluation before returning to Thailand.
Watchara and his brother were employed in Israel to help their family address debt and medical expenses, according to family members. Details about Bannawat's and Surasak's backgrounds were not immediately available.
The release is part of a broader ceasefire agreement that includes exchanges of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Thai officials say their government has worked through diplomatic channels, including Qatar, to secure the release of their nationals.
As reported by Times of Israel, Pinta Nattapong is another Thai hostage considered by Israel to be alive and still in captivity. Two other Thai hostages, Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, have been declared dead by Israel, with their bodies held captive.
The Thai Embassy said arrangements have been made for the men's return to Thailand following medical clearance. Officials expect them to arrive in Bangkok within the next 48 hours.