Five Thai hostages held by Hamas for 15 months were released as part of a hostage-prisoner exchange deal with Israel. They were met at Bangkok’s airport by family members, the Thai Foreign Minister, and the Israeli ambassador before heading to their hometowns. 46 Thais were killed in a terrorist attack by Hamas in 2023, with 31 taken hostage and some released earlier. Two Thai hostages have been confirmed dead, while one remains captive.
After their release, the hostages underwent medical tests and spent time in a hospital in Israel before being reunited with their families. The status of one remaining hostage is unclear, and Hamas is also holding the bodies of the two confirmed deceased hostages, as well as a Nepalese student and a Tanzanian student who were also taken captive.
Israel heavily relies on foreign labor, with Thais being the largest group of foreign agricultural workers before the attack. Many Thai workers left their jobs following the attack, but Israel has since recruited more foreign workers, including Thais, to fill the labor gap. There are now 38,000 Thai workers in Israel, even more than before the attack.
The release of the hostages was a significant moment for Thailand, and the country’s ambassador to Israel described it as one of the happiest days of his life. The hostages’ return marks the end of a traumatic ordeal for them and their families, as they readjust to life after being held captive for over a year.
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