Thai hostage families reunite with loved ones after 482 days in Hamas captivity

Family members of the Thai hostages abducted on Oct. 7, 2023, flew into Israel on Tuesday to reunite with their loved ones who had been held captive by the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza for 482 days.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry brought the families to Israel to join the recently released hostages, who will be recovering at the Shamir Medical Center in Be’er Ya’akov, outside of Tel Aviv. The names of the released captives are Sathian Suwannakham, Pongsak Thenna, Bannawat Seathao, Watchara Sriaoun and Surasak All five men will enjoy a reunion with their families in Israel before returning together to their homes in Thailand.

Families of the released #Thai #hostages met with the hostages at Shamir Medicla Center. This visit is sponsored by the #Israeli Government @IsraelMFA @IsraelinTH , and coordinated by @MFAThai @MFAThaiConsular & Royal Thai Embassy. #HostagesRelease pic.twitter.com/e3yQb81BK6
— Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv (@thailandinISR) February 4, 2025

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 Gen. Songwit Numphakdi and Thai Ambassador to Israel Pannabha Chandraaramya arrived in Israel on Sunday evening.

The delegation of senior Thai officials visited the Western Wall (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 there for the last 16 months.

Thailand's foreign minister and chief of staff visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, Feb. 3, 2025. (Photo: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation)

The ministers 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.