5 Thai hostages arrive in Bangkok today after being released!

Five Thai nationals, who were held captive in Gaza, Palestine for more than a year, arrived in Bangkok on Sunday (February 9) after being released. They were released under a prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas on January 30, 2023. The freed Thai nationals include: Sarusak Rumnao (32), Watchara Sriaun (33), Sathyan Suwannakham (35), Pongsak Thayenna (36) and Bannawat Sathaw (27).

They were received by their families at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, and many cried in the emotional moment. Both Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiyampongsa and the Israeli ambassador to Thailand were present to welcome them.

"We are all very grateful and happy to be back in our country," the released hostages said at a press conference at the airport. They thanked everyone. "The Thai government has never given up hope, and today's results are proof of that," Foreign Minister Maris Sangiyampongsa said.

Finally, they returned to their hometown after the press conference. The Thai nationals were the second batch to be released since the Hamas-Israel war. Last November, 23 Thai nationals were released with the help of Qatar and Iran.

News: CNN