Emotional scenes as farm employees arrive in Bangkok

5 Thai farmworkers launched by Hamas in Gaza final month have arrived residence in Bangkok, after spending practically 500 days in captivity.

Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao and Surasak Lamnao had all been working in southern Israel once they had been kidnapped in the course of the assaults in October 2023.

There have been emotional scenes on Sunday morning because the 5 males had been embraced by tearful kinfolk at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport’s arrivals corridor.

“I do not know learn how to put it into phrases,” launched hostage Mr Thaenna, mentioned.

“I might wish to thank all of the officers who had been concerned in serving to us out till we’re standing right here.

“We would not be right here with out you serving to us. We’re very touched and really glad to have returned to our homeland. I’m actually grateful.

International Minister Maris Sangiampongsa mentioned it was “very inspiring” to witness their return following their launch on 30 January as a part of the ceasefire settlement between Israel and Hamas.

After touchdown in Bangkok at 07:30 native time (00:30 GMT), the 5 had been met by a small group of overjoyed kinfolk and officers from the Ministry of International Affairs.

Somboon Saethao, the daddy of Mr Saethao, mentioned he was “so glad” and that his household would welcome his son residence with a conventional Thai ceremony.

“I do not suppose I would like him to be removed from residence once more,” his father informed AFP.

Mr Saethao moved to Israel 9 months earlier than his kidnap looking for a greater revenue for the household, he added.

His spouse, Wiayada Saethao, informed BBC Thai reporters that the 15 months her husband was held hostage had been a interval of struggling.

“Do not be afraid anymore. We’re residence now. We’re in Thailand. We’re going again residence,” she informed BBC Thai reporters.

The 5 males will make their technique to their hometowns.

Boonsong Tapchaiyut, a labour ministry official, mentioned every hostage would obtain a one-time cost of round £14,510 (600,000 baht), together with a month-to-month wage of £725 till the age of 80, to make sure they didn’t need to return to Israel.

One Thai hostage stays unaccounted for.

“For the sixth Thai hostage who nonetheless stay within the Gaza, we by no means chorus from motion, we do nonetheless have hope and can do no matter till we succeed,” mentioned International Minister Mr Sangiampongsa.

Final month, after the handover of the 5 hostages in Khan Yunis Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra mentioned she was “elated” that they had been out of captivity.

She thanked Israel, in addition to Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey and the USA for his or her work to safe the releases.

A complete of 46 Thai employees have been killed since October 2023, in keeping with the international ministry in Bangkok, the bulk within the Hamas assault and some by rockets fired by Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

Hamas seized 251 hostages and killed about 1,200 folks when it attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, triggering the regional struggle.

No less than 47,500 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive, in keeping with Gaza’s Hamas-run well being ministry. About two-thirds of Gaza’s buildings have been broken or destroyed by Israel’s assaults, the UN says.