Emotional scene when farm workers arrive in Bangkok

Five Thai farm workers released by Hamas in Gaza have returned to Bangkok after nearly 500 days of imprisonment last month.

Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao and Surasak Lamnao all worked in southern Israel when they were kidnapped in the October 2023 attack.

There were some emotional scenes on Sunday morning as the arrival hall at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport was embraced by tears in relatives.

“I don’t know what to say,” Taenna said.

“I want to thank all the officials who have been involved in helping us until we stand here.

“We wouldn’t be here without your help. We are so moved and happy to be back in our homeland. I’m really grateful.”

Foreign Secretary Maris Sangiampongsa said it was “very inspiring” to witness their return After the release on January 30 As part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

After landing in Bangkok at 07:30 local time (00:30 GMT), a small number of relatives and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met five people.

They spent 10 days in Israeli hospitals so they could monitor their health.

Mr. Sessao’s father, Somboon Saethao, said he was “happy” that his family would welcome his son home through traditional Thai rituals.

“I don’t want him to be far away from home again,” his father told AFP.

He added that Mr Seser moved to Israel nine months before the kidnapping to find a better income for the family.

His wife, Wiayada Saethao, told BBC Thai reporters that the 15 months her husband was in custody were a time of suffering.

“Don’t be afraid. We’re at home now. We’re in Thailand. We’re going home.”

Five people will head to their hometown.

Labor Department official Boonsong Tapchaiyut said each hostage would receive a one-time payment of about £14,510 (600,000 baht) and a salary of £725 a month until the age of 80 to ensure they don’t have to return to Israel.

A Thai hostage still has no blame.

Foreign Minister Mr Sangiam Ponsa said: “For the sixth Thai hostage still staying in Gaza, we never avoid action, we still have hope and will do anything until we succeed.”

Last month, after Khan Yunis Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra handed over She said she felt “happy” not to be imprisoned.

She thanked Israel, as well as Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Türkiye and the United States for their work to ensure the issuance.

According to the Bangkok Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a total of 46 Thai workers have been killed since October 2023, with the majority in Hamas attacks Some rockets launched by Hezbollah, Lebanon.

Hamas occupied 251 people and killed about 1,200 people when attacking Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering war in the region.

According to Gaza Hamas-ruling Ministry of Health, at least 47,500 Palestinians were killed in Israeli offensives. The United Nations said about two-thirds of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli attacks.