“Their return is an emotional moment for all of us,” said Dr. Yuval Levy, head of Israel’s public hospital division at the Health Ministry. “The fate of these hostages has been intertwined with ours. They are now undergoing initial medical assessments, and we are fully prepared for any situation. This is a complex event, not just for their families but for all of Israel. We hope to see the safe return of all remaining hostages.”
“Thailand thanks Israel and all involved parties for facilitating the release of the Thai hostages from Gaza,” the statement read. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to their families and express deep appreciation to Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, the United States and other friendly nations, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross, for their instrumental roles in securing their release.”
Among Thailand’s migrant worker community in Israel, the news was met with relief and celebration. Peng Ruwikit Grossi, director at the Thai employment company Nima, said, “This is a deeply emotional day for the Thai community in Israel. It is a moment of joy for them and for all Thai workers in the country.”
“Our happiness is mixed with sorrow,” she said. “Beyond their release, we know how difficult it was for their families to wait so long, receiving updates only from afar. The extensive coverage in Thailand is not just about their personal stories, but also a message to the entire Thai community—reminding them that there are people in Israel who care for them beyond their work.”
“This is a day of great news for me, for my country, and for the entire world,” she said. “I have waited so long for this moment. I can barely breathe. Thai citizens, our government—everyone has been anxiously waiting to see our five hostages again. I want to thank Israel for taking care of them.”
However, she urged continued efforts to secure the release of Nattapong. Two other Thai hostages, Sudthisak Rinthalak, 43, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, 30, have been declared by Israel to be dead, with their bodies held captive.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists killed 49 Thai workers in Israel, including 11 murdered at Kibbutz Nir Oz, where five others were kidnapped. Two of them were freed in a previous exchange deal in November, which saw the release of 24 foreign hostages.