Five Thai workers held hostage in Gaza for over a year have finally returned to Bangkok as part of an exchange arrangement.
Sarusak Rumnao, 31, Watchara Sriaoun, 33, Sathian Suwannakham, 35, Pongsak Thaenna, 36, and Bannawat Saethao, 27, were freed on January 30 as part of an exchange deal between Hamas and Israel.
The released Thai nationals were greeted by emotional family members at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday.
Sarusak, who worked in agriculture in southern Israel, was reportedly treated well during captivity, receiving regular meals and access to showers.
His mother, Khammee Rumnao, expressed gratitude for his treatment and said he plans to use his skills on their family farm instead of returning abroad.
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Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sagniampongsa and Israeli Ambassador Orna Sagiv welcomed the group.
Sagniampongsa vowed to continue efforts to free the last Thai hostage still held in Gaza.
This is the second group of Thai hostages released since the conflict began.
In November 2023, 23 Thai nationals were freed during a ceasefire following negotiations between Hamas and Thailand, with the assistance of Qatar and Iran.
Hamas kidnapped 31 Thai nationals during its October 7 attack, targeting agricultural compounds where many worked.
Before the conflict, around 30,000 Thai laborers worked in Israel’s agriculture sector.
Nearly 9,000 were repatriated following the attack and 46 were reportedly killed.
The status of the last hostage, Nattapong Pingsa, remains unknown.