10:34 pm - February 25, 2025
In October 2023, the world witnessed a dramatic escalation of violence when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, leading to a protracted and devastating conflict. Among the many casualties of this war were 31 Thai nationals who were taken captive during the initial waves of the attack. Of these, 23 were fortunately released by the end of 2023, while two tragically lost their lives in May of the following year. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of the conflict, hope persisted for the families of the remaining captives. Last month, this hope turned into joy as five Thai men—Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Sarusak Rumnao, and Bannawat Saethao—were finally released in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, as part of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. Their release marked a rare moment of relief in a conflict that has caused immense suffering and displacement.
The reunion of the five men with their families was nothing short of emotional. On a sunny Sunday morning, they arrived at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where they were greeted with tearful hugs and heartfelt words of welcome. Pongsak Thaenna, a 36-year-old father, struggled to express the depth of his feelings. “We are all deeply touched to come back to our birthplace … to be standing here,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude. “I don’t know what else to say, we are all truly thankful.” For Bannawat Saethao, the reunion was especially poignant. His father, Somboon Saethao, a man from Nan province in northern Thailand, was overjoyed to see his son return safely. “I don’t think I want him to be far from home again,” Somboon confessed, reflecting the mix of relief and protective love that many parents feel in such moments. The family planned to welcome Bannawat home with a traditional Thai ceremony, a testament to the cultural practices and values that bind families together.
The release of the five men was a culmination of intense diplomatic efforts, and the Thai government played a significant role in securing their freedom. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa accompanied the captives on their journey back from Israel, expressing his relief at their safe return. “This is emotional … to come back to the embrace of their families,” he said, highlighting the deeply personal nature of their ordeal. The minister also emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to bringing the captives home, calling their release “the fruit” of perseverance and determination. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also shared her elation at the men’s release, thanking Israel, Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and the United States for their involvement in the negotiations. The prime minister’s statement underscored the importance of international cooperation in resolving such delicate and complex issues.
The return of the five Thai nationals was not only a moment of personal triumph for their families but also a source of hope for the broader community of Thai migrant workers in Israel. Before the war erupted, approximately 30,000 Thai laborers were employed in Israel’s agriculture sector, making them one of the largest groups of migrant workers in the country. Many of these workers hailed from Thailand’s northeastern region, an area characterized by rural villages and farming communities that are among the poorest in the country. The war disrupted their lives, forcing nearly 9,000 Thais to return home since the conflict began. While some have managed to escape the violence, not all have been as fortunate. As of now, one Thai national is still believed to be held captive in Gaza, and the bodies of two others who died in May last year have yet to be repatriated. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing the remaining captive home and ensuring the return of the deceased for proper burial.
For the families of the captives, the long wait has been a test of faith and resilience. In Udon Thani, a province in northeast Thailand where the families of two of the returnees reside, the news of their loved ones’ safe return was met with immense joy. Al Jazeera’s Tony Cheng reported from the region, sharing the story of Watchara Sriaoun’s family. “His mother said that during this entire period, she kept her faith in God,” Cheng revealed. “She said she was rather frustrated because there had been very little communication from the Thai government or the Israeli government during their captivity.” Despite the frustration, the family held onto hope, and their prayers were finally answered. Cheng also spoke to Sriaoun’s nine-year-old daughter, who simply wanted to give her father a hug. Such moments remind us of the human cost of conflict and the enduring strength of family bonds.
The Thai government has pledged to support the five returnees as they reintegrate into their lives. According to officials, all five men are in good physical health, though the emotional scars of their captivity may take longer to heal. The government plans to monitor their well-being over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition back to their normal routines. For now, their safe return is a cause for celebration, not just for their families but for the entire nation. As Thailand continues to advocate for the release of the remaining captive and the repatriation of the deceased, the story of these five men serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope, even in the darkest of times.