Hamas hostages: Joy and relief as 17 Thai workers return home

Joyous scenes unfolded at Bangkok International Airport as 17 Thai hostages, previously held by Hamas, returned home. Among them was 30-year-old Pornsawan Pinakalo, who had endured nearly 50 days of captivity. Overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing his father, Pornsawan fell to his knees and cried. His father, Khongpana Sudlamai, rushed to him, and what started as a beaming smile turned into tears of relief.

Expressing his feelings, Mr. Khongpana said, “It felt like he had left us. But he has returned to us. I am still having goosebumps.”

The release of the Thai hostages occurred independently of an agreement between Hamas and Israel, which has seen the release of 70 Israeli women and children. A negotiated pause in the conflict, now lasting six days, resulted in the release of 102 out of the 240 hostages seized by Hamas last month. In exchange, 210 Palestinian prisoners, including women and teenagers, held in Israeli jails were freed.

The situation in the region has been dire, with over 14,500 people killed in Gaza due to Israel’s retaliatory bombings since October 7, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.

Notably, six Thai nationals recently released by Hamas are still in Israel for medical examinations, while nine remain in Hamas’ custody.

Most of the abducted foreign workers were from northeast Thailand, a region marked by poverty and a significant population shift seeking better opportunities.

Families eagerly awaited the return of their loved ones. Chanapa and Sirirat Bupasiri, siblings of released hostage Buddee Saengbun, expressed their excitement, having traveled to Bangkok to welcome him. The emotional reunion was anticipated with tears and hugs after enduring one month and 18 days of separation.

For those unable to make the journey, the wait continued back home. Bunyarin Srichan, whose daughter Nattawaree “Yo” Mulka was the only Thai woman taken hostage, expressed overwhelming joy and planned a celebratory meal upon her daughter’s return.

While many Thai nationals have been repatriated from Israel since the October 7 attack, challenges persist, with some returning likely due to debt and joblessness in Thailand. Reports of harsh working conditions in Israel, including unsanitary living conditions and exploitation, have also surfaced.

The negotiated pause in fighting, initially set to end on Thursday, has been extended by at least one day, offering hope to families like Narissara Chanthasang’s, whose husband, Nattapong Pinta, is still a Hamas hostage.

Pornsawan Pinakalo, reflecting on his captivity, conveyed the difficulty of living day by day and trying not to entertain the possibility of never returning home. Now, back in Thailand, he struggles to put into words the overwhelming joy he feels, stating, “This is the happiest day of my life.”

Mr. Khongpana eagerly looks forward to taking his son home, planning a special meal knowing it’s something his son will love. The resilience and anticipation of reunions permeate the air as families embrace the return of their loved ones.