Emotional Reunion: Five Thai Hostages Return Home After Year in Gaza Captivity!

[CharlieH]

 

Five Thai workers, who had been held hostage in Gaza for over a year, arrived back in Bangkok on Sunday. The freed individuals, Sarusak Rumnao, 32, Watchara Sriaoun, 33, Sathian Suwannakham, 35, Pongsak Thaenna, 36, and Bannawat Saethao, 27, were released on January 30 as part of an exchange arrangement.

 

At Suvarnabhumi Airport, the returning workers were joyfully embraced by family members, with some relatives shedding tears of relief and happiness. Welcoming them home were Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Orna Sagiv. During a news conference at the airport, Pongsak expressed the group's gratitude, saying, "We are all very grateful and very happy that we get to return to our homeland. We all would really like to thank you. I don’t know what else to say."

 

Foreign Minister Maris highlighted the Thai government's unwavering efforts, stating, "We never gave up hope and here is the result today. The tears of joy are our encouragement." He also noted that Bangkok remains committed to securing the release of the remaining Thai hostage.

 

After the news conference, the group quickly departed to reunite with family in their hometowns in Thailand’s northern and northeastern regions. This marks the second release of Thai hostages since the outbreak of conflict. Previously, during a ceasefire in November 2023, 23 Thai nationals were freed in a deal negotiated between Thailand, Hamas, and facilitated by Qatar and Iran.

 

as reported by the BBC

 

09-02-2024

 

 

 

[Negita43]

Great news for them

[Straight-Beginning98]

I am curious as to what kind of compensation will the poor fellows receive. Full salary ? A little extra for their suffering ? Which entity would pay that ?

[bokningar]

15 minutes ago, Straight-Beginning98 said:

Which entity would pay that

I know who should have to pay for it UNRWA!!

[suzannegoh]

10 hours ago, Straight-Beginning98 said:

I am curious as to what kind of compensation will the poor fellows receive. Full salary ? A little extra for their suffering ? Which entity would pay that ?

No doubt Hamas will compensate them fairly.

[Hanuman2547]

It's too bad that they were held hostage.  They are not Israeli or Jewish, Just workers.  It would have been a good gesture on their part to have released them much earlier.