Tears of Joy as Freed Thai Hostages Return Home
After nearly 500 days in captivity, five Thai farm workers freed by Hamas have finally set foot on their homeland. An emotional reunion unfolded on Sunday morning at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport as the hostages embraced their tearful families.
The Taste of Freedom: ‘We Are Home’
Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lamnao were working in southern Israel when they were kidnapped during Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023.
Speaking after his release, Pongsak Thaenna said,
“I am grateful. I never imagined I would be able to return home. I want to sincerely thank everyone involved in rescuing us.”
Bannawat Saethao’s wife, Wiayada Saethao, added,
“For 15 months, we lived in agony. But now, there’s no more fear. We are home.”
Emotional Scenes at the Airport
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa described their return as “truly inspiring”, marking the end of a prolonged nightmare.
Bannawat’s father, Somboon Saethao, expressed his relief, saying,
“I never want my son to leave home again. We will welcome him back with a traditional Thai ceremony.”
Government’s Financial Support for the Freed Hostages
The Thai government has announced special financial aid for the released hostages:
🔹 A one-time payment of 600,000 Thai baht (£14,510).
🔹 A monthly allowance of £725 until the age of 80, ensuring they won’t have to return to Israel for work.
One Hostage Still Missing: Thailand Vows to Continue Efforts
The Thai foreign minister reaffirmed,
“One Thai hostage remains in Gaza. We have not stopped our efforts, and we will do everything possible until he is brought home.”
Israel-Gaza Conflict & Its Impact
✅ On October 7, 2023, Hamas kidnapped 251 hostages and killed 1,200 people in Israel.
✅ In retaliation, Israel’s offensive has killed 47,500 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
✅ The UN reports that two-thirds of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed.
✅ Under the January 19 ceasefire deal, 21 Israeli hostages and 566 Palestinian prisoners have been freed so far.
Thai PM’s Response
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed gratitude,
“We sincerely thank Israel, Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and the US for their efforts in securing their release.”
According to the Thai foreign ministry, 46 Thai workers have been killed since October 2023—most during Hamas’ attack, while some were victims of Hezbollah’s rocket strikes from Lebanon.
🔥 Though five hostages are finally free, Thailand’s mission is not over. The government remains committed to rescuing the last remaining captive from Gaza.
