Thai hostages likely first to be released amid Gaza conflict

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, announced that Thai workers held captive by Hamas are likely to be among the first released. This update came as the Israeli military amplified its assault on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, with the majority of Thai workers still in Israel now situated in safe zones.

Around 30,000 Thai workers were in Israel before the cross-border raids by Hamas on October 7. Since then, some 8,000 have been repatriated on 35 flights, Parnpree reported. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed on Monday that over 20,000 Thai workers have opted to remain in Israel despite the escalating conflict.

“We are waiting for good news [regarding the release of the Thai hostages].”

Parnpree further revealed that during his recent diplomatic visits to Qatar and Egypt, he received information suggesting that the Thai hostages would be among the first set free.

Between October 30 and November 2, Parnpree visited Qatar and Egypt, seeking solutions to assist the kidnapped Thai nationals. He met with the prime minister of Qatar and the Iranian foreign minister, who was also visiting Qatar, as well as Egypt’s foreign affairs minister.

Following these meetings, Qatar, Egypt, and Iran committed to aid in negotiations with Hamas for their release, reported Bangkok Post.

Hostage release

Parnpree explained that the hostages are currently detained in the Gaza Strip. As Hamas is divided into numerous cells, the hostages might be held in various locations.

“If the hostages are released, they are expected to be taken to a safe location, such as the Rafah border crossing in Egypt. The Foreign Affairs Ministry has already requested Egypt to allow Thai officials access to the Rafah border crossing in preparation for their release.”

Despite the ongoing conflict, many Thai workers have chosen to remain in Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to facilitating the repatriation of Thai citizens, though the number seeking repatriation has notably decreased, leading to the closure of the coordination centre at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv.

The latest figures from the Foreign Affairs Ministry show that 24 Thai workers remain hostage as of yesterday, with the number of deaths and injuries standing at 34 and 18, respectively. Another seven bodies will be repatriated to Thailand on an EL Al flight tomorrow.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday instructed the Labour Ministry to expedite compensation for any returning Thai workers. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn disclosed that an additional 50,000 baht (US$1,408) will be provided to the repatriated Thai workers, on top of the 15,000 baht (US$422) they will receive from the welfare fund for overseas workers.

The ministry has appealed to the Budget Bureau to allocate the necessary funds from the central budget, with a response anticipated soon. This follows a proposal for a low-interest loan of up to 150,000 baht (US$4,227) for each returning Thai worker, to clear debts owed to job brokers or to fund alternative career opportunities.

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