The body of the last Thai hostage held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip was handed to the Israelis yesterday, via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Nikorndej Balankura, spokesman for the Thai Foreign Ministry, said that the Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv was informed by the Israeli Foreign Ministry that the Palestinian Jihad and Hamas had released the remains, identified through forensic processes as Sudthisak Rinthalak of Nong Khai.
He said Sudthisak was killed on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched coordinated attacks into Israel from Gaza and killed more than 1,200 people, including over 70 foreigners.
He said that the Thai ambassador in Tel Aviv has called Sudthisak’s mother in Nong Khai about the return of the remains and informed her that the Thai embassy is coordinating with agencies in Israel to arrange for the remains to be flown back to Thailand as quickly as possible.
Nikorndej also expressed Thailand’s appreciation to all countries for their help in securing the return of the surviving hostages and the remains of the dead.
At least 39 Thai nationals working in the Gaza Strip were killed and 31 hostages taken have been released by Hamas.
