Thai hostage families on way to Israel to reunite with loved ones after 482 days in Hamas captivity

Family members of the Thai hostages abducted on Oct. 7, 2023 are flying into Israel today to reunite with their loved ones who had been held captive in Gaza for 482 days.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry is bringing the families to Israel to reunite with the recently released hostages who will be recovering at the Shamir Medical center in Be’er Ya’akov, outside Tel Aviv. 

Sathian Suwannakham, Pongsak Thenna, Bannawat Seathao, Watchara Sriaoun, and Surasak Lamnau all were abducted by Hamas invaders, but they will have family reunions before returning to their homes in Thailand.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated, “Israel was overjoyed last Thursday to see the freedom of the Thai hostages restored, after being held in cruel captivity in Gaza. I wish them and their families a good life, health, and freedom. We are still waiting for the remaining 79 hostages, who are held by the terror organizations Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.”

A delegation from Thailand including foreign minister Maris Sangiampongsa, army chief of staff General Songwit Numphakdi, and Thai ambassador to Israel Pannabha Chandraaramya arrived on Sunday evening. 

The delegation of senior Thai officals visited the Western Wall (also called the Kotel) in Jerusalem, and learned about the history of the site, including the constant prayers for the hostages and their families that have been lifted up there over the last 16 moths.

They expressed great appreciation for the warmth and compassion that the people of Israel have shown for the Thai nationals.

Before leaving the Kotel, they offered silent prayers at the base of the Wall, giving thanks for the release of their citizens, and praying for the release of the three remaining Thai hostages held by Hamas, as well as the remaining Israelis and other foreign nationals being held in captivity.