1611-2023 (BANGKOK) Thailand’s government has received assurances from Hamas, the Palestinian armed group, that 25 Thai nationals held hostage are “safe,” according to a member of Thailand’s hostage release negotiating team. Thai politician Lepong Syed stated on Thursday (Nov 16) that if a ceasefire is agreed between Israel and Hamas, the hostages could be released within days.
Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7 resulted in over 240 people being taken hostage, while official Israeli figures indicate that at least 1,200 people were killed during the incident. In response, the Israeli military initiated an air-and-ground offensive, leading to over 11,500 casualties, including thousands of children, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza.
Lepong, who is part of Thailand’s mediation team, confirmed that Bangkok had received assurances from Hamas that the Thai hostages were safe and would soon be returning to Thailand. However, their release is contingent upon the announcement of a ceasefire. Lepong stated, “The Thai nationals in captivity are safe,” expressing hope that their release would occur within 10 days or even sooner.
Thailand’s negotiating team, primarily composed of Thai Muslims, has been in constant communication with Hamas, according to Lepong. He further stated, “We have been pushing for the release of the Thais, and Hamas has assured us.” Lepong, who serves as the president of the Thai-Iran Alumni Association, made these statements following the Thai foreign minister’s visit to Qatar earlier this month to discuss the release of the Thai nationals with his Iranian counterpart.
At the time of the attack, approximately 30,000 Thais were working in Israel, predominantly in the agriculture sector, as reported by Thailand’s labor ministry. So far, 39 Thai citizens have lost their lives, and 19 have been injured in the conflict. The Thai foreign ministry has evacuated over 8,500 individuals from the affected region.
