27-11-2023 (BANGKOK) The Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that three additional Thai nationals have been released by Hamas, bringing the total number of Thai hostages freed from captivity to 17.
The three individuals released, namely Wichian Temthong, Surin Kesungnoen, and Pornsawan Pinakalo, have been admitted to a hospital in Israel to undergo health examinations. They were among the 17 hostages released on Sunday, with the other 14 being Israeli nationals.
Embassy staff visited the Thai hostages at the hospital and provided necessary assistance. Arrangements were made for them to contact their families back in Thailand.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed congratulations to the families and extended gratitude to all those involved in the negotiations for their release. The government will continue its efforts to secure the release of the remaining 15 Thai hostages who are believed to still be held captive.
Once the initial compensation process is completed in Israel, the 17 Thai hostages who have been freed will be repatriated to Thailand, according to the ministry.
On Monday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin posted a message on Twitter, saying, “Congratulations. As of November 26 at 8:36 PM local time, the three Thai hostages arrived at the Kerem Shalom checkpoint. From the initial physical examination, they were found to be in good health without requiring emergency medical treatment. They are able to speak and walk normally.”
Thai Ambassador to Israel Pannabha Chandraramya stated that Yossi Shelly, the director of the Israeli prime minister’s office, visited the previously released Thai hostages at Shamir Medical Centre and congratulated them on their safe return to Israel. Shelly assured them that the Israeli government would provide assistance and medical care, and expressed gratitude for their significant contributions to the farming sector in Israel.
Foreign Minister Panpree Bahiddha-Nukara and General Songwit Noonpackee, the chief of the Thai defense forces, will depart for Israel on Monday night to bring the released hostages back home. They are expected to return with the released Thais on a commercial flight in a few days. The Ministry of Labor will coordinate with the Israeli government regarding the compensation process.
Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee expressed optimism that more hostages would be freed by Hamas, indicating positive signs for their eventual release.
