In the impoverished villages of Isaan, Thailand's northeast region, families are anxiously awaiting news regarding the release of their loved ones held hostage in Gaza for the past 15 months.
On Thursday, five families expressed hope that their relatives would finally be freed, as the Thai foreign ministry confirmed that five Thai nationals would be among those released. Wiwwaeo Sriaoun, the mother of hostage Watchara Sriaoun, voiced her mixed feelings of happiness and anxiety as they awaited the announcement of names.
Neither Israel nor Hamas has disclosed the identities of the Thai hostages set for release.
Prior to the attacks led by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Mr. Watchara was one of approximately 30,000 Thai farmworkers in Israel, who adapted to working in agriculture amid increasingly perilous conditions, according to his mother.
The Thai foreign ministry reported that at least 39 Thai agricultural workers were killed during the October 7 attacks, with at least 31 taken hostage. Thai officials indicated that at least two of the hostages have died during their captivity. In a cease-fire in November 2023, 23 Thai hostages were released.
Vilas Thanna, father of another hostage, Pongsak Thanna, expressed optimism that his son might be among those released. The family gathered at their home in Buriram, Isaan, showing excitement and anticipation. “I am very super duper happy, so excited,” Mr. Vilas remarked, sharing his feelings of unrest due to anxious anticipation.
The status of the sixth Thai hostage, who is also believed to be in Gaza, remains uncertain. Although Thai government officials have reported he is alive, individuals responsible for the care of released hostages have indicated that he may have died.
Despite the ongoing dangers, many Thai farmworkers continue their agricultural efforts in Israel, with some having experienced the violence of the Hamas attacks firsthand 15 months ago.
In October 2023, four Thais were killed by Hezbollah rockets in northern Israel, while another Thai lost his life near the Israel-Lebanon border due to an explosion from unexploded ordnance in an orchard.