Thailand intensifies efforts to free remaining Thai hostages in Gaza

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is pushing forward with efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine Thai hostages held captive by Hamas. This comes as six additional Thai workers, recently liberated from their captors, are on the brink of returning to Thailand, scheduled to arrive on Monday.

Expressing concern over the termination of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, voiced fears that this could potentially hinder additional hostage releases.

“The government is trying to release the remaining Thai hostages. Other countries involved have told us they will help rescue Thai nationals who are held captive.”

The MFA, on Sunday, conveyed apprehension about the resurgence of conflict in Gaza on December 1, following a week-long truce. The ministry mourned the escalating casualties, urging all parties to cease hostilities and resume negotiations. The MFA emphasised the need for an extended truce to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need, prevent further loss of life, and devise a sustainable solution.

Kanchana Patarachoke, the MFA spokesperson, shared that the six recently liberated Thai workers would land at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday at 12.15pm on board El Al Airlines flight LY081.

The repatriates include Pattanayut Tonsokree, Owat Suriya, Paiboon Ratnil, Kong Saelao, Chakraphan Sikhena, and Chalermchai Saengkaew.

The Israeli army reported on Saturday that Hamas was detaining 139 hostages, comprised of 125 Israelis, eight Thais, one individual each from Nepal and Tanzania, and one French-Mexican national, reported Bangkok Post.

Previously, on November 30, Parnpree had facilitated the return of 17 Thai hostages from Israel. Among these returnees was 30 year old Pornsawan Pinakalo, who has since safely returned to his hometown in Huai Thalaeng district, Nakhon Ratchasima. Recounting his two-month captivity in Gaza.

“I prayed to Thao Suranari, Luang Pho Sothon and all the divine spirits in my village to help get me home safely.”

These 17 returnees are currently receiving their initial compensation from the Israeli authorities, amounting to 10,000 shekels (94,526 baht) in the form of a globally usable cash card. They will also receive a monthly aid of 6,900 shekels for six months. In addition, they will be given 15,000 baht from a Thai government fund intended to support overseas workers.

In related news, an Israeli short film director came to Thailand to offer his condolences to the family and film the funeral of Srettha “Tom” Homesorn, who was a subject in the director’s film up until his death.