Families Celebrate Reunion as Thai Hostages Released After 481 Days

Five Thai nationals released from Hamas captivity last week were reunited with their families on Tuesday at Shamir Medical Center in Be’er Yaakov. Their release, alongside Israeli hostages Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Moses, marked the end of 481 days of captivity.

The freed hostages Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Lamnao Surasak were met by family members flown in from Thailand. The Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry, the National Insurance Institute, the IDF, and the Thai Embassy in Israel coordinated the emotional reunion.

Senior Thai officials, including Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Chief of Defense Forces General Songwit Noonpakdee, and Thai Ambassador to Israel Pannabha Chandraramya, visited the hostages two days after their release. The delegation later paid respects at the Western Wall, marking their solidarity with Israel.

Recognizing the suffering endured by the freed hostages, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel announced that the five Thai nationals would receive permanent residency status in Israel.

With dozens of hostages still held in Gaza, Israel continues its efforts to secure the release of all captives.

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