Hope for Last Thai Hostage in Gaza as Five Celebrate Freedom

Hostage
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expresses joy during a video call on Feb. 1, 2025, with five Thai nationals in Israel who were released by Hamas.

BANGKOKPrime 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.

Natthapong Pinta
Family of last Thai hostage Natthapong Pinta share their hopes during an interview at their home in Phrae province, January 31, 2025. (Phrae Province Public Relation)

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:

Advertisement

  • 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.

AP25031142097803
Fve Thai hostages who were freed from Hamas pose for a picture with Thai Ambassador to Israel Pannabha Chandraramya, center, in Israel, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. From left to right: Bannawat Saethao, Surasak Rumnao, Watchara Sriaoun, Pannabha Chandraramya, Sathian Suwannakham and Pongsak Thaenna. (Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv via AP)

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.

AP25031662456636
Two Thai captives, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, are escorted by Hamas fighters as they are handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday Jan. 30, 2025.(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)
Advertisement

___________

Related article:

Gaza Militants Release 5 Thai and 3 Israeli Hostages