Family members wept with joy and embraced their loved ones as five Thai farm workers freed after more than a year in captivity in Gaza arrived in Bangkok on Sunday morning.
The five men smiled as they walked into the arrivals hall at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where they were met by overjoyed relatives and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The freed hostages—Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Tanna, Sathian Suwannakham, Surasak Lamnau, and Bannawat Saethao—landed at 7:30 a.m. local time (0030 GMT) after being released on January 30 as part of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the Gaza conflict.
Tears flowed as family members reunited with the men, who had been held hostage in Gaza for over a year. “I can’t describe how happy I am to have my son back,” said one emotional parent.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude for the efforts that led to the release of the Thai nationals, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in resolving the situation.
The five men had been working as farm workers when they were captured. Their return marks a significant moment for their families and communities awaiting their safe homecoming.
