30-11-2023 (GAZA) Four Thai workers who were held captive by Hamas militants have been successfully released, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. The Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv provided a detailed report on the release, highlighting that the individuals in question underwent a thorough medical examination at an Israeli hospital, with embassy officials overseeing their well-being.
The freed hostages have been identified as Paiboon Ratnil, Kong Saelao, Chakraphan Sikhena, and Chalermchai Saengkaew. Following their medical check-up, arrangements have been made for the men to communicate with their families and relatives directly from the hospital.
Even the Thai guys ???????????? pic.twitter.com/AqdwZMhZfR
— Benjamin Netanyahu – ×‘× ×™×ž×™×Ÿ × ×ª× ×™×”×• parody (@netanyahupress) November 30, 2023
Expressing gratitude to all parties involved in the negotiation process, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its congratulations to the families of the released individuals. However, it was noted that nine other Thai nationals are still believed to be in captivity under Hamas. The Thai government has reaffirmed its commitment to securing the swift release of these remaining hostages.
The from hostage captivity released Thai workers leaving Israel to go back home.
We wish them only the best. pic.twitter.com/Bx07InCOCo
— Michael Weingardt (@Michael_Wgd) November 29, 2023
The released individuals are expected to return to Thailand after completing an initial compensation process in Israel, according to the ministry’s statement.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce that the four freed Thais arrived at Hatzerim Airbase in southern Israel at 2 am (Israel time) on Thursday. He expressed his gratitude to all parties involved in coordinating the efforts that led to the successful release.
The development comes in the wake of the Israel-Hamas truce agreement on November 24. Since the commencement of the truce, Hamas has released a total of 70 Israelis, 23 Thai nationals, two Russians, and one Philippine citizen. In reciprocity, Israel has released 210 Palestinians.
