Five Thai farm workers, who were held captive by Hamas in Gaza for nearly 500 days, have returned to Thailand, receiving an emotional homecoming at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday morning.

The former hostages—Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lamnao—were abducted while working in southern Israel during the October 2023 Hamas attacks.

Upon arrival at 7:30 AM local time, the men were greeted by tearful relatives and government officials after spending 10 days in an Israeli hospital for medical evaluation.

Speaking at the airport, Pongsak Thaenna expressed deep appreciation for those involved in securing their release.

“I’d like to thank all the officials who helped us until we’re standing here. We wouldn’t be here without you. I am truly grateful.”

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa described their return as “inspiring,” confirming that their release on January 30 was part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

For the families, the reunion was filled with joy and relief.

Somboon Saethao, father of Bannawat Saethao, stated:

“I don’t think I want him to be far from home again.”

His son had moved to Israel nine months before the abduction to support his family financially.

To discourage the return of Thai workers to Israel, the Thai Labour Ministry announced that each freed hostage would receive:

• A one-time compensation payment of 600,000 baht (£14,510)
• A monthly pension of 30,000 baht (£725) until the age of 80

While the return of the five men is a major relief, one Thai hostage remains unaccounted for.

Foreign Minister Sangiampongsa stressed that efforts to secure his release are ongoing, expressing hope for a resolution soon.

The release of the Thai hostages was facilitated by international mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and the United States, according to Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Since October 2023, the conflict has taken a heavy toll on Thai workers in Israel:

• 46 Thai nationals have been killed, primarily in Hamas’ initial attack and subsequent Hezbollah rocket fire from Lebanon.

The Hamas-led assault on October 7 triggered a brutal conflict, resulting in:

• Over 1,200 Israeli deaths
• At least 47,500 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry
• Severe destruction, with two-thirds of Gaza’s buildings either damaged or destroyed, as reported by the United Nations

With hostage negotiations still ongoing, international attention remains focused on securing the release of those still held captive and finding a path toward de-escalation in the region.