Thai citizens held by Hamas return home to reunite with families

(CLO) Five Thai citizens detained by Hamas for more than a year returned home on February 9, meeting their families in emotional moments at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok.

Those who returned were dressed in winter coats, and were hugged by their families in tears. "We are all very emotional to be back where we were born... to be standing here," said Pongsak Thaenna, one of those released.

Five Thai hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have returned to Thailand. Photo: X

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, who personally escorted the hostages home, expressed relief at their safe return. "It was very moving... to see them reunited with their families," he said. "We never gave up and this is the result of our relentless efforts."

Hamas kidnapped at least 240 people, including Israelis and foreigners, in an October 2023 attack on the Israeli border. Forty-one Thais were killed and 30 Thai workers were kidnapped. The first group of Thai hostages were released later that year.

Before the conflict, about 30,000 Thai workers worked in Israel’s agricultural sector, making it one of the largest groups of migrant workers in the country. Nearly 9,000 Thais returned home after the attack. These workers came mainly from northeastern Thailand, home to many of the country’s poorest farming communities.

Thailand's Foreign Ministry confirmed that one Thai citizen is still being held by Hamas. "We still have hope and will continue to make efforts to bring them back," including the bodies of two Thai citizens who died in the incident, Mr. Maris said.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters, Bangkok Post)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cac-cong-dan-thai-lan-bi-hamas-bat-giu-tro-ve-doan-tu-voi-gia-dinh-post333717.html