Freed man arrives in Bangkok with tears of joy

Five Thai farm workers released by Hamas in Gaza last month have returned to Bangkok after nearly 500 days of confinement.

Ponsak Sena, Satian Suvarnakam, Watchlasriaun, Banawat Saetao and Surasak Ramnao were all working in southern Israel when they were lured out during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

There was an emotional scene on Sunday morning as five men were accepted by relatives who shed tears in the arrival hall at Bangkok’s Suvarnabumi Airport.

“I don’t know how to put that into words,” said Ponsack, the hostage.

“I would like to thank all the officials who helped us until we were here.

“We’re not here unless you help us. We’re very moved and we’re so happy to be back home. We’re so grateful.”

Foreign Minister Maris Sanginponsa said it would be “very exciting” to witness their return after their release on January 30th.

Banawat’s father, Sonbourn Saetao, said he was “very happy” and that his family would welcome his son’s home at a traditional Thai ceremony.

“I don’t want him to be far away from home again,” his father told AFP.

Banawat moved to Israel nine months before the invitation to seek a better income for his family, he added.

His wife, Wiayada Saethao, told reporters for BBC Thai that the 15 months when her husband was held hostage was a period of suffering.

“Don’t be afraid anymore. We’re going home now. We’re in Thailand. We’re going home,” she said.

After landing in Bangkok at 7:30 local time (00:30 GMT), the five met a small group of delighted relatives and government officials.

They spent 10 days in an Israeli hospital, so they could monitor their health.

The five men are now heading home.

Boonzung Tapchait, an employee of the Ministry of Labor, goes to Israel to receive a one-time payment of around £14,510 (Tha baht of 600,000) and receives a monthly salary of £725 until the age of 80.

One of the Thai hostages remains unexplained.

“We will not refrain from acting because of the sixth Thai hostage that remains in Gaza. We will still have hope and do anything until we succeed,” Thai Foreign Minister said. .

After five hostages of Khan Yunis were taken over last month, Thai Prime Minister Paetong Tarun Sinawatra said they were “excited” that they were not confined.

She thanked her for her work to secure releases in Israel, Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey and the US.

A total of 46 Thai workers have been killed since October 2023, according to Bangkok’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hamas seized 251 hostages and killed around 1,200 people when attacking Israel on October 7, 2023, causing the Gaza War.

At least 47,500 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli attack, according to the Hamasran Health Ministry in Gaza. About two-thirds of Gaza buildings were damaged or destroyed by Israeli attacks, the UN says.

The release of Thai hostages does not form part of the Israeli Hamas ceasefire contract agreed on January 19th. Below that, 21 Israeli and 566 Palestinian prisoners have been released so far.

By the end of the first phase of the ceasefire, it is expected that 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners will be released three weeks later. Israel says eight out of 33 are dead.

Additional reports by Thanyarat Doksone.