28-10-2023 (BANGKOK) Recent negotiations between Iran and a team representing Thailand have shown promising developments in the ongoing Thai hostage crisis in the Gaza Strip. Saiyid Sulaiman Husaini, leader of an association of Shia Muslims in Thailand, provided an update on Friday, indicating that the Palestinian militant group Hamas is poised to release all Thai hostages once the situation is deemed safe. The negotiations, led by former Narathiwat MP Areepen Uttarasin and Lerpong Syed, brother of Mr. Husaini, commenced at 10 am local time in Tehran.
The majority of Iranians follow Shia Islam, while most Palestinians and Hamas militants adhere to Sunni Islam. It is believed that Iran has been providing Hamas with financial support, weapons, and training as part of their ongoing conflict with Israel.
Mr. Husaini, known for his influential standing among Shia Muslims in Thailand and neighboring countries, reported that the negotiations progressed smoothly on Friday morning. However, specific details of the negotiations cannot be disclosed until they are concluded.
According to Khampee Disthakorn, a spokesman for House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, Speaker Wan is engaging with relevant parties on all sides of the Israel-Hamas conflict, irrespective of religious affiliations, in an effort to secure the release of all Thai hostages. His scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia, planned for next Friday, has been postponed due to the Saudi government’s decision not to welcome guests amid the ongoing war.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin addressed reports claiming that 54 Thai nationals were among the 220 hostages being held in the Gaza Strip, refuting the claim. After verifying the situation with the Thai ambassador in Israel and security agencies, the Prime Minister confirmed that 18 Thais are currently held hostage. The previously reported number of 54 hostages may have resulted from confusion, he stated. Reuters had quoted the Israeli government mid-week, stating the number as 54.
Regarding Thai workers whose salaries have not been paid and who wish to return home, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed that the issue had been addressed with Orna Sagiv, Israel’s ambassador to Thailand. The Prime Minister assured that the salaries would be paid as soon as the workers leave Israel.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kanchana Patarachoke provided an update on the Thai casualties in the conflict, stating that the current death toll stands at 33, with 18 individuals injured and an equal number held hostage. The remains of 15 Thais have been repatriated to Thailand, and 4,771 Thais have returned on 23 government-sponsored flights. Out of the Thai students enrolled at the Arava International Centre for Agriculture Training in Israel, 40 have returned to Thailand, while 75 expressed their desire to remain in the country.
The Foreign Ministry advised those who remain in Israel to prioritize their safety and consider returning home while reassessing their options. Meanwhile, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that Thai workers would not be sent back to resume their jobs in Israel until the war has ended. The ministry is currently negotiating with Israel on the conditions for resuming work once the situation stabilizes. Israel has decided to extend work permits for those whose contracts have expired for another year.
Additionally, the Labour Ministry is exploring opportunities for Thai workers in countries such as South Korea, various European nations, and Australia, particularly in the agricultural sector. Several countries have expressed interest in recruiting Thai workers for fruit picking and farm jobs.
To support Thai returnees from Israel, the ministry plans to compensate each individual with 15,000 baht and will seek a larger budget from the cabinet in the upcoming week.
