Qatar aids Thailand in locating last Thai hostage in Gaza
Qatar has committed to locating the last remaining Thai hostage held by Hamas in Gaza and assisting with the repatriation of two dead Thai workers, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is currently visiting Qatar, where he met with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani on Monday, March 3.
Maris thanked Qatar for its role in securing the release of five Thai nationals from Gaza on January 30. He expressed hope that this cooperation would also facilitate the safe return of the remaining Thai hostage and the retrieval of the bodies of two individuals killed earlier in the conflict.
In a video interview on Monday, Maris stated that the Qatari government values its bilateral relationship with Thailand and is prepared to offer further assistance.
The Qatari prime minister acknowledged the challenges in ensuring the safety of the final hostage, as his condition remains unverified by Hamas.
“Nevertheless, he assured that the Qatari government would exert its utmost effort. Hence, we should remain hopeful.”
The Thai foreign minister also mentioned that on February 28, his Israeli counterpart confirmed that the family of a Thai labourer, who was killed by explosive ordnance while working in Israel, would receive compensation.
Initially, it was reported that the employer attributed the incident to carelessness outside the work area, suggesting compensation would not be applicable.
Maris addressed this issue with the Israeli foreign and interior ministers, who subsequently reviewed the case and approved compensation for the victim’s family.
“I have instructed the Royal Thai Embassy to ensure the compensation is received promptly.”
Fighting in Gaza was paused on January 19 following a truce facilitated by the US, alongside Qatari and Egyptian mediators. Hamas exchanged 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced yesterday, March 4, that Israel is prepared to move to the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, contingent upon Hamas releasing more of the 59 hostages still in its custody, reported Bangkok Post.
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