The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is pressing ahead with negotiations to help the remaining nine Thai hostages captured by Hamas as six more Thai workers recently released from captivity are due to arrive back in Thailand on Monday.
Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said on Sunday that the government is concerned by the end of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which could hold up further releases of Thai hostages.
"The government is trying to release the remaining Thai hostages. Other countries involved have told us they will help rescue Thai nationals who are held captive," said Mr Parnpree.
The MFA on Sunday expressed concern about the resumption of fighting in Gaza on Dec 1, following a seven-day truce. The ministry said it was sad to see the number of casualties rising again.
"Thailand calls on all parties to avoid further hostilities and return to negotiations to extend the truce so humanitarian assistance can reach those in need, further loss and bloodshed can be avoided, and a sustainable solution can be found," the MFA said.
MFA spokeswoman Kanchana Patarachoke said the six Thai workers recently released by Hamas will arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday at 12.15pm via El Al Airlines flight LY081.
The returnees are Pattanayut Tonsokree, Owat Suriya, Paiboon Ratnil, Kong Saelao, Chakraphan Sikhena and Chalermchai Saengkaew.
On Saturday, the Israeli army said Hamas was holding 139 hostages. They include 125 Israelis, eight Thais, one person from Nepal, one from Tanzania and one French-Mexican national.
On Nov 30, Mr Parnpree collected 17 Thai hostages and accompanied them back to Thailand from Israel.
One of the returnees on that trip was Pornsawan Pinakalo, 30, who has since safely returned to his hometown in Huai Thalaeng district, Nakhon Ratchasima.
During his two months' custody in Gaza, Mr Pornsawan said he had prayed to all the holy deities he knew for his release.
"I prayed to Thao Suranari, Luang Pho Sothon and all the divine spirits in my village to help get me home safely," he said.
The 17 Thai returnees are in the process of receiving their first compensation from Israeli authorities. This includes 10,000 shekels (94,526 baht) in the form of a cash card that can be used worldwide, along with a monthly assistance of 6,900 shekels for six months.
They will also receive 15,000 baht from a Thai government fund for assisting overseas workers.
