Sonthaya Oakkharasri, 30, an agricultural worker at Kibbutz Be’eri, had been held hostage by Hamas since October 2023, following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.
He was confirmed dead after more than two years in captivity.
His remains were flown from Israel to Thailand, where they were formally received in a ceremony at Suvarnabhumi airport, before being transported to his hometown in Nong Bua Lamphu province.
A memorial service was held on October 22 in Tel Aviv, attended by Thai Ambassador Boonyarit Vichienpuntu and Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin.
Levin expressed condolences to the family and praised the Thai Embassy’s continued efforts to assist Thai hostages and workers affected by the conflict.
Ambassador Boonyarit conveyed his gratitude to the Israeli government for its cooperation and to the President of Israel, who personally sent a message of condolence to Sonthaya’s mother.
In Bangkok, Labour Minister Treenuch Thienthong presided over the ceremony held at Suvarnabhumi international airport, alongside Israel’s Ambassador to Thailand, Dr. Alona Fisher-Kamm.
The minister laid a wreath in tribute and led a minute of silence in remembrance of the deceased.
“This is a deeply sad day. Mr. Sonthaya went abroad to work for a better life, but was unable to return home safely. On behalf of the Thai government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his parents and daughter,” Treenuch said.
The family of the deceased watched the ceremony via a mobile live stream
The minister said compensation for the family would cover funeral arrangements, monthly and annual allowances and educational support for his child.
Additional financial assistance will also be provided by the Department of Employment, the Social Security Office and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
According to Treenuch, around 40,000 Thai workers are currently employed in Israel.
