Noppadon Pattama, the chairman of the House panel on foreign affairs, says he has asked the United States to help secure the release of the six remaining Thai nationals held hostage as a result of the Hamas-Israel conflict.
The Pheu Thai list-MP said he made the request through US Ambassador Robert Godec during a recent discussion with committee members on Thai-US relations.
Mr Godec expressed his sympathy for the loss of Thai workers and the plight of the others held captive after Hamas fighters swarmed into Israel last October.
Mr Noppadon said he asked the US diplomat to help with the release of the remaining Thai nationals so they could return home safely.
He also thanked the United States for backing a proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza that was adopted by the UN Security Council. He called it a crucial step to resolving the conflict and rebuilding sustainable peace in the region.
According to information supplied by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in February, 39 Thais died and 23 others held hostage were released after the Hamas attack. Two Thai hostages were confirmed dead in May and the fate of the remaining six is unknown.
Noppadon Pattama, a Pheu Thai list-MP and chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs, shakes hands with US Ambassador Robert Godec during a meeting with committe members at parliament. (Photo: Noppadon Pattama)