Fifty-one days after Hamas kidnapped five Thai workers who remained captive in Gaza the men came home to Bangkok on Sunday to meet their families joyfully. On January 30 the six Thai workers including Sarusak Rumnao, Watchara Sriaoun, Sathian Suwannakham, Pongsak Thaenna and Bannawat Saethao received their freedom through a political hostage exchange. Suvarnabhumi Airport became the scene where Five Thai workers were welcomed by their tearful families as well as the Israeli ambassador to Thailand and Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangyampong.
Of the 200 over hostages kidnapped by Hamas during their southern Israel offensive in October 2023, 31 were Thai nationals who made up the largest foreign abduction group. The violent conflict has resulted in the death of 46 Thais and has left the bodies of two victims behind in Gaza.
The Thai government has now obtained freedom two different groups of hostages throughout this war. Twenty-three Thai citizens received their freedom during a short-lived truce between Thailand and Iran and Qatar which took place in November 2023. Before returning home each of the five men received medical checks in Israel thanks to the financial support of the Israeli government. 
Israeli Foreign Minister Maris traveled to Israel with the goal of securing the freedom of Thai worker Nattapong Pingsa as well as recovery of the remains of two deceased workers. Since the conflict started Thai laborers who maintain Israeli agriculture have encountered more safety threats. The release of these hostages brings comfort during this time of ongoing conflicts.
