Hamas releases two more Thai captives, 19 now freed

The release of two additional Thai captives from the Israel- Palestine conflict occurred on Tuesday night, bringing the total number of freed Thai citizens to 19, with a remaining 13 still in custody.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced via the Twitter social media platform that Pattanayut Tonsokree and Owat Suriya had been liberated at 11pm local time and were immediately taken to Shamir Medical Centre in Tel Aviv for health assessments.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, who had landed in Israel earlier that day, visited the men at the hospital. In a gesture of appreciation for Israel’s role in the negotiation process, Parnpree and Thai Ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, met with Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog.

During their visit, Parnpree, Pannabha and Songwit Noonphakdi, the head of the armed forces, also met with the 17 previously released Thais, who were at the same medical facility. Parnpree is expected to accompany these 17 individuals back to Thailand today on El Al Airways flight LY081, which is due to land at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 12.15pm, reported Bangkok Post.

While at the medical facility, Parnpree spoke with Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister, Eli Cohen, who pledged that Israel would provide support to Thai workers. He guaranteed job compensation for those affected and assistance for those wishing to return home.

“Without Thai workers, Israel would not have had an agricultural industry.”

Cohen also welcomed Thai workers to return to work in Israel once the conflict subsides.

In a briefing, Labour permanent secretary Pairote Chotikasathien revealed that the 17 Thai returnees would receive their first compensation payment of 10,000 shekels (94,526 baht) in the form of a globally accepted cash card.

This would be followed by a six-month monthly assistance of 6,900 shekels (US$1,873). He also noted that any Thai needing physical or mental healthcare could have their medical costs covered by Israeli authorities.