Freed Thai Hostages Return Home After 500 Days in Captivity
Five Thai farm workers, who were released by Hamas in Gaza last month, have arrived home in Bangkok after enduring nearly 500 days in captivity.
Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lamnao had been working in southern Israel when they were kidnapped during Hamas's attacks on 7 October 2023.
Emotional scenes unfolded at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday morning as the five men were reunited with tearful relatives in the arrivals hall.
"I don't know how to put it into words," said Mr. Pongsak, one of the freed hostages.
"I'd like to thank all the officials who helped us get to where we are today. We wouldn't be here without you. We are deeply touched and so grateful to be back home."
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa called their return "very inspiring" following their release on 30 January.
Somboon Saethao, Mr. Bannawat's father, expressed his overwhelming happiness, saying the family would welcome his son home with a traditional Thai ceremony.
"I don't think I want him to be far from home again," he told AFP.
Mr. Bannawat had moved to Israel nine months before his abduction in search of better financial opportunities for his family.
His wife, Wiayada Saethao, recalled the anguish of the past 15 months, describing it as a period of immense suffering.
"Don't be afraid anymore. We're home now. We're in Thailand. We're going back home," she reassured him.
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