Five former Hamas hostages arrived back in Thailand this morning, into the warm embrace of their families who were at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport to meet them off their flight from Israel.
The five are Watchara Srioun, a native of Udon Thani, Pongsak Thaenna, a native of Buri Ram, Sathien Suwankham, a resident of Nong Bua Lam Phu, Surasak Lamnao, a resident of Udon Thani and Bannawat Saetao, a resident of Nan province.
The families of Watchara and Surasak were not at the airport this morning, because the two men will fly to Udon Thani immediately, after attending the welcome ceremony at the airport.
Labour Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, who was at the airport this morning, told the media that about 30,000 Thais, who were evacuated from Israel when the war with Hamas began 15 months ago, have returned there to work.
One Thai hostage is still believed to be held captive by Hamas and the Thai government is trying to secure his release, with the help of other countries.
