Fri Jan 31 07:32:33 UTC 2025: ## Five Thai Hostages Released in Israel-Hamas Prisoner Exchange

**Tel Aviv, Israel –** Five Thai hostages, held captive in the Gaza Strip for over a year following Hamas’ October 2023 assault on southern Israel, were released on Thursday, January 30th, 2025, in a prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas. Their release was met with jubilant scenes at a Tel Aviv hospital where they underwent medical evaluations.

The hostages, identified as Surasak Rumnao (32), Watchara Sriaoun (33), Sathian Suwannakham (35), Pongsak Thaenna (36), and Bannawat Saethao (27), were among 31 Thai nationals initially kidnapped. Many were agricultural workers living near southern Israeli settlements. A previous exchange in November 2023 freed 23 Thai nationals.

The emotional reunion between the hostages and their families was highlighted by the story of Surasak’s mother, Khammee Lamnao, who initially didn’t recognize her son due to his drastically changed appearance after months of captivity. Dr. Osnat Levzion-Korach, director of the Shamir Medical Center where the hostages were taken, reported them to be in “fair” health, considering the conditions of their underground confinement.

The exchange also involved the release of three Israeli hostages and 110 Palestinian prisoners. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed gratitude to several international parties, including Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, the United States, Israel, and the Red Cross, for their roles in negotiating the release.

While the five released hostages are expected to return home soon after medical clearance, the fate of one remaining Thai hostage, Nattapong Pingsa, and the bodies of two Thai citizens remains unknown. Israel’s deputy spokesperson, Alex Gandler, confirmed that Israel is committed to securing the release of all remaining hostages, including those from Nepal and Tanzania, and hopes to begin discussing this with Hamas next week. The released Thai hostages will be recognized as terror victims, receiving financial benefits and healthcare.

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