Thailand has said it is "disappointed" by the return to hostilities in Gaza and has called for the release of hostages, including a Thai national.
The Foreign Ministry’s statement, released on March 21, said the violence in the Gaza Strip since March 18 has resulted in heavy casualties among innocent civilians, injuries, and severe damage to critical infrastructure and public utilities.
"Thailand is profoundly concerned about and disappointed at the return to hostilities in the Gaza Strip," the statement said.
Thailand calls for the release of the remaining hostages in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, including one Thai national, as well as the retrieval of the bodies of two Thai nationals.
Urging all sides to exercise utmost restraint, Thailand also called for an end to hostilities and the resumption of negotiations to implement the ceasefire and hostage agreement.
Humanitarian assistance should be allowed into the Gaza Strip to ensure stability and security in the Middle East.
When Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, 31 Thais were abducted, with 23 released by the end of that year and two confirmed dead in May.
Five more abducted Thais returned home in February following their release as part of the January ceasefire, leaving one Thai national still believed to be alive in Gaza.
