After enduring 15 months of captivity in Gaza, five Thai hostages have returned to Bangkok, receiving a warm welcome from their families and officials. The men had been kidnapped during the attacks in October 2023, and their release came as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Their emotional return comes with promises of financial support as the search for a missing sixth hostage continues.
Homecoming for Thai Hostages: Emotional Reunions After 15 Months in Captivity
Homecoming for Thai Hostages: Emotional Reunions After 15 Months in Captivity
Five Thai farm workers, freed from Hamas captivity, return to Bangkok, where tearful reunions mark their long-awaited homecoming.
In a heartfelt reunion at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, five Thai farm workers, released from over a year of captivity in Gaza, arrived home this Sunday morning. Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lamnao each reflected on their emotional journey back to Thailand after being kidnapped during the brutal attacks in October 2023.
Witnesses at the airport saw tearful embraces as families welcomed back their loved ones, marking an end to an ordeal lasting nearly 500 days. Mr. Thaenna expressed gratitude to officials for their roles in securing their release. "I am truly grateful," he said, highlighting the importance of the support received throughout their time in captivity.
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa described the return of the hostages as "very inspiring," noting that their release took place on January 30 under a ceasefire agreement amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Upon their arrival, the men had been monitored health-wise at an Israeli hospital for the prior ten days.
Relatives shared their delight, with Somboon Saethao, the father of one of the hostages, revealing plans for a traditional Thai welcome ceremony. "I don't think I want him to be far from home again," he stated, while his son's wife recounted the difficulties they faced during the long separation.
In terms of support, each returning hostage will receive a one-time payment of approximately £14,510 alongside a monthly salary intended to stabilize their finances and prevent a return to Israel for work. However, the search continues for a sixth Thai hostage who remains unaccounted for, as officials affirm their commitment to secure his return.
The past months have seen significant casualties among Thai nationals, with 46 workers reported dead since October 2023. The tragic backdrop involves Hamas capturing over 250 hostages during their initial attack, initiating a violent escalation in the region.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her relief at the hostages' return, recognizing the collaborative efforts of various nations in facilitating their release. As glad families reunite, the ongoing conflict and its dire impact loom large, with the UN reporting severe destruction in Gaza amidst Israel's military offensive.
Witnesses at the airport saw tearful embraces as families welcomed back their loved ones, marking an end to an ordeal lasting nearly 500 days. Mr. Thaenna expressed gratitude to officials for their roles in securing their release. "I am truly grateful," he said, highlighting the importance of the support received throughout their time in captivity.
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa described the return of the hostages as "very inspiring," noting that their release took place on January 30 under a ceasefire agreement amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Upon their arrival, the men had been monitored health-wise at an Israeli hospital for the prior ten days.
Relatives shared their delight, with Somboon Saethao, the father of one of the hostages, revealing plans for a traditional Thai welcome ceremony. "I don't think I want him to be far from home again," he stated, while his son's wife recounted the difficulties they faced during the long separation.
In terms of support, each returning hostage will receive a one-time payment of approximately £14,510 alongside a monthly salary intended to stabilize their finances and prevent a return to Israel for work. However, the search continues for a sixth Thai hostage who remains unaccounted for, as officials affirm their commitment to secure his return.
The past months have seen significant casualties among Thai nationals, with 46 workers reported dead since October 2023. The tragic backdrop involves Hamas capturing over 250 hostages during their initial attack, initiating a violent escalation in the region.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her relief at the hostages' return, recognizing the collaborative efforts of various nations in facilitating their release. As glad families reunite, the ongoing conflict and its dire impact loom large, with the UN reporting severe destruction in Gaza amidst Israel's military offensive.
