After being held captive for 482 days, five Thai farm workers abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, have finally been freed. Their release marks the near end of a prolonged ordeal.
During the attack, Hamas fighters killed over 40 Thai workers and took 54 hostages. Most hostages were released in November 2023 but these five remained in captivity until January 30, 2025, as reported by BBC.
Who They Are and How They Were Taken
The five men—Pongsak Thaenna (35), Sathian Suwannakham (34), Watchara Sriaoun (32), Bannawat Saethao (27), and Surasak Lamnao (30)—were among thousands of Thai migrant workers employed on Israeli farms.
According to The Week, these hostages were among tens of thousands of Thai agricultural workers in Israel. Many Thais seek work in Israel due to significantly higher wages, earning up to five times more than at home.
Enduring Harsh Conditions in Captivity
The freed hostages recounted language barriers and surviving in cramped, underground tunnels where breathing was difficult. Sometimes there was food; other times, they went hungry.
“During captivity, I ate local foods such as bread, cheese, and beans. It was enough to survive, but living conditions were extremely difficult.”
They spent over a year without seeing the sky, relying on faint light filtering through tiny openings. Bathing was infrequent, and they lost all sense of time Ynet News reported.
Despite the uncertainty, they held onto the hope that they would one day be rescued.
One of them, Somsak, said, “I never lost hope. I was confident that efforts were being made to rescue us.”
Receiving Medical Care in Israel
Following their release, the five men were taken to a hospital in Tel Aviv for medical evaluations and treatment.
Dr. Osnat Levtzion-Korach, the hospital director, said that their health remains stable despite enduring extreme hunger and harsh conditions. Some were held underground, while others were confined in dark rooms above ground.
The main focus is on helping them recover both physically and mentally.
Families and Government Celebrate Their Return
For their families, the release brought an end to over a year of anxiety and heartbreak.
Pongsak’s father, Wilas Thaenna, admitted he had barely slept the night before hearing the news, saying he never imagined this day would come.
Watchara’s mother, Wiwwaew Sriaoun, had prayed daily for her son’s return, while his young daughter, who had longed for her father for months, was overjoyed.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Amid Rubble and Heartache, Palestinians Return to Gaza to Rebuild Their Shattered Lives
What’s Stopping Singapore From Recognising the State of Palestine?
Singapore Wedding Honors Palestine, Encourages Donations via QR Code
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