Five Thai citizens released by the Palestinian movement Hamas have returned to Bangkok, accompanied by Thai Foreign Minister Marit Sanggiampong, the Thai Foreign Ministry announced.
“All five Thai citizens have returned home safely and reunited with their families“, the statement said.
The kingdom's foreign minister praised the efforts of government agencies, which “worked with full dedication for 15 months, “to achieve success“ in freeing the kingdom's citizens. He reiterated the Thai government's commitment to "work continuously to secure the release of the last remaining Thai hostage and the return of the remains of the two Thai citizens."
Director-General of the Information Department and Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikhondet Phalangkhunhad previously reported thatWatchara Si-wan, Phongsak Thanna, Sathyan Suwannakham, Surasak Lamnau and Bannawat Sethauwere released on January 30.
He stressed that a total of 28 Thai hostages have been released since the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict began on October 7, 2023. A total of 39 Thai citizens were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel.