Four more Thai workers freed by Hamas, confirms UK Foreign Ministry

The Hamas group released another four Thai workers from their captivity yesterday, according to a statement made by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Kanchama Patarachoke today. The announcement was based on a report from the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv.

The spokesperson, who also heads the Department of Information, indicated that upon their release, Israeli officials admitted the four Thai nationals to a hospital for health check-ups. The Thai embassy promptly dispatched staff to the hospital to look after them and relayed the positive news to their families.

In a further update, Kanchama revealed that Israeli authorities have notified the Thai embassy of two more Thai workers in Hamas’s custody. With the initial release of 10 Thais, followed by another four, an estimated 18 Thai nationals remain captive. The Thai government is making every effort to secure their release, Kanchama assured.

While expressing relief as the hostages are gradually set free and are communicating with their families in Thailand, Kanchama urged journalists to refrain from seeking or sharing information about the hostages’ treatment during captivity. This sensitive issue could potentially compromise the safety of those still in captivity, reported Bangkok Post.

The Foreign Ministry is liaising with its Israeli counterpart to expedite the repatriation of the 14 released Thais to their families in Thailand, Kanchama further disclosed.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday shared on Twitter that four more Thais were freed by Hamas at 11.50pm (local time). He named them as Nathaporn Onkaew, Komkrit Chombua, Anucha Angkaew and Manee Jirachart.

The 61 year old prime minister confirmed their good health, both mentally and physically, and stated that they did not need emergency medical attention.

“All they wanted was to take a shower and call their relatives. They were admitted to Shamir Medical Centre (Assaf Harofe) Hospital. Thanks must go to the Foreign Ministry and our security agencies.”