17-5-20 (BANGKOK) The Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry has confirmed the deaths of two Thai nationals who were being held hostage in the volatile region of Gaza. The tragic news has cast a pall over ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives.
According to ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv informed the ministry that Sonthaya Akkharasri and Sutthisak Rinthalak, both Thai men, were believed to have lost their lives shortly after the escalation of the Hamas-Israel conflict near Gaza on October 7 of last year. The embassy’s committee, tasked with assessing the conditions of the hostages, provided the grim report.
The government has expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, acknowledging the immense grief and pain they must be enduring. Nikorndej stated that the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv and the Department of Consular Affairs have already contacted the bereaved families, and relevant agencies will coordinate efforts to provide necessary assistance during this difficult time.
Despite this devastating loss, the Thai government remains resolute in its demand for the immediate release of all remaining hostages, including six Thai nationals still being held captive in Gaza. The spokesman reiterated the call for all parties involved to exercise their utmost efforts in negotiations, leading to a resolution and addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Friday to express his profound sadness over the deaths of the two Thai hostages. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families, acknowledging the anguish they must be experiencing. Srettha revealed that the Israeli government had recently obtained evidence confirming the deaths of the two Thai nationals.
The Prime Minister stated that he has instructed the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv to provide all necessary assistance to the bereaved families. He emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to utilizing all available means to secure the release of the remaining hostages as swiftly as possible.
