5 Thai farm workers who had been kidnapped through the 7 October assaults by Hamas on Israel have been released after being held for nearly 500 days in Gaza.
They had been handed over to the Purple Cross throughout chaotic scenes together with two Israelis, shortly after a primary Israeli hostage was freed.
Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao and Surasak Lamnao had all been working in southern Israel once they had been kidnapped through the assaults in October 2023.
Thailand’s prime minister mentioned she was elated to listen to information of their launch and her authorities was working with Israel “in order that they’ll reunite with their families soonest”. One Thai hostage stays unaccounted for.
“The Thai authorities, together with everybody right here in Thailand, have lengthy been ready for this very moment,” PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra posted on social media.
“I maintain on to my hope that the remaining Thai nationwide shall be launched and returned to us safely and speedily.”
For the households of the launched hostages, it was a day that they had lengthy been ready for.
Wilas Thaenna wept after receiving a name to say his son Pongsak had been freed on Thursday.
“I by no means thought at the present time would come, every thing has been too quiet for some time,” the 65-year-old instructed the BBC.
He revealed he had barely slept the night time earlier than, as he was so excited on the prospect of his son being launched. —BBC
