The number of Thais held hostage by Hamas in Gaza remains at eight after one missing Thai believed to have been among the hostages was found safe in Israel, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Thai embassy in Tel Aviv reported that a Thai national who had gone missing in Israel had recently contacted relatives in Thailand to say he was safe, Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said on Thursday.
Talks for the release of all Thai hostages were continuing, but the situation in Gaza was still critical. There may be a slim chance for a second ceasefire and more hostage releases soon, the minister said.
So far, about 9,000 Thais have been repatriated from Israel. Some 20,000 Thai nationals have shown no intention to return home and they are known to be in safe areas not near battle zones, said Mr Parnpree.
Earlier, the Thai embassy had reported that a total of 23 Thai hostages had been released in Gaza, with nine remaining in captivity. On Wednesday, the embassy found one Thai citizen who was earlier believed to be among nine remaining hostages.
The man had not been held hostage but had moved to work in another place, the embassy said.