
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has pledged full government support to secure the release of Natthapong Pinta, the last remaining Thai hostage held by Hamas. The commitment came during a video call on February 1 with five recently released Thai hostages, where she emphasized that diplomatic efforts would continue until all Thai nationals are safely home.
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to all Thai officials, particularly Ms. Pannapa Chantararom, Ambassador to Tel Aviv, for their dedicated work, and thanked allied nations for their crucial role in helping secure the release of Thai hostages.
Hope Remains for Natthapong
In Phrae province, 84-year-old Lop Pinta anxiously awaits news of his son Natthapong, who had been working in Israel for 16 months before his capture. Natthapong’s sister shared that local fortune tellers have given the family hope, all indicating that he remains alive. “If he returns, we will never let him work in Israel again,” she said.

Celebrating Freedom
The recently freed hostages, now receiving medical care at Al-Shamir Medical Center, shared their joy during the video call with the Prime Minister. The group includes:
- Watchara Sriaouan, 32, from Udon Thani
- Surasak Lamnao, 30, from Udon Thani
- Phongsak Tanna, 35, from Buriram
- Sathian Suwannakham, 34, from Nong Bua Lamphu
- Bannawat Saetao from Nan
Road to Recovery
Some of the freed hostages described their challenges readjusting to freedom, including difficulty sleeping due to the unfamiliar quiet after more than a year in captivity. They will complete a seven-day medical observation period before returning to Thailand, with comprehensive support from the Thai government including compensation and ongoing assistance.

Diplomatic Progress
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa reported encouraging discussions with his Israeli counterpart regarding Natthapong’s case. “The Israeli Foreign Minister specifically mentioned Natthapong Pinta by name, showing that his case is actively being monitored,” Maris stated, adding that quiet diplomacy often yields better results.
The five released hostages were among 31 Thai workers captured during Hamas’s October 7 attack. Twenty-three others were freed during the November 2023 ceasefire, negotiated with help from Qatar and Iran. At the time of the attack, approximately 30,000 Thai nationals were working in Israel, with 5,000 based near the Gaza border.
According to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 46 Thais have been killed during the conflict, including two Thai citizens who were killed on Oct. 7, 2023 and their bodies taken into Gaza.

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