The government has affirmed its commitment to explore all avenues to secure the release of the remaining 18 Thai hostages after a second group of four Thais was released by Hamas late on Saturday night.
The release of Nathaporn Onkaew, Komkrit Chombua, Anucha Angkaew and Manee Jirachart brings the number of Thais freed during a temporary ceasefire to 14, while the number still being held captive stands at 18.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Thais were sent for medical examination in Israel and will stay with the first group of 10 who were released on Friday.
The release of the 14 by Hamas came during the four-day ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Egypt to allow humanitarian aid to get into Gaza.
On Friday Hamas released 24 hostages: 13 Israelis, 10 Thais and one Filipino. The second group comprised 13 Israelis and four Thais who were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin posted on X (formerly Twitter) that all were in good health, mentally and physically, and did not require emergency treatment.
"All they wanted was to take a shower and call their relatives. They were admitted to Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofe) Hospital. Thanks must go to the Foreign Ministry and our security agencies," the prime minister said.
In an update provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, Israeli authorities informed the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv that two more Thai workers are being held by Hamas, bringing the total number of Thais still being kept captive by the group to 18.
The MFA said the Thai government would do its best to get all of them freed while thanking all involved in the negotiations which led to the current releases,
According to the ministry, Thai officials are coordinating with Israeli authorities to bring the 14 home to their families as soon as possible.
The ministry also urged media outlets to refrain from approaching the families of those released for details of their detention.
The matter is delicate and caution is being urged to avoid any impact on ongoing negotiations and the safety of the remaining hostages, according to the ministry.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen visited the first group of Thais at Shamir Medical Center on Saturday.
He extended moral support and gave his assurances the Israeli government would provide assistance and medical care ahead of their journeys home.
