Thai hostages who were released by Hamas on Thursday were reunited with some of their family members on Tuesday at the Shamir Medical Center in Be’er Yaakov.
The Thai natives were released alongside Israeli hostages Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Moses, while Agam Berger was released hours earlier.
The names of the Thai hostages released are Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Lamnao Surasak. All but Suwannakham reunited with their family members.
Family members who reunited with their loved ones include Pongsak’s nephew Phuriphat, Watchara’s brother Veerachot, Lamnao’s mother, Surasak, and Seathao’s brother Ratthanan. The reunion was organized by the Foreign Ministry, the National Insurance Institute, the IDF, and the Thai Embassy in Israel.
Thai delegation also visits Israel around time of hostage release
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee, and Thai Ambassador to Israel Pannabha Chandraramya visited the returning Thai hostages two days after their release at the medical center. The Thai officials and the rest of their delegation visited the Western Wall the following morning.
The five released hostages were also given permanent resident status in Israel, according to a Sunday announcement from Interior Minister Moshe Arbel.
Joanie Margulies contributed to this report.