Five Thai hostages who were held by Hamas for 15 months arrived in Bangkok after being released as part of a hostage-prisoner exchange deal with Israel. They were met by family members, the Thai Foreign Minister, and the Israeli ambassador before continuing on to their hometowns. The hostages were among 46 Thais killed in a terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel in October 2023, with 31 others taken hostage, 23 of whom were already released. The last remaining hostage has an uncertain status, while two others were confirmed dead.
After their release, the hostages spent time in a hospital in Tel Aviv for medical tests and to recuperate. Family members and a Thai delegation met them in Israel before their return to Thailand. Israel heavily relies on foreign labor, including from Thailand, in sectors like agriculture, construction, and caregiving. Thais were drawn to Israel for higher wages but many left after the attack. Israel has since recruited more workers from countries like India to replace those who left.
Thailand’s ambassador to Israel praised the hard work of Thai workers in Israel and noted that there are now 38,000 Thai workers in the country, surpassing the number before the attack. The release of the Thai hostages is seen as a positive development in the tense situation in the region.
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