After the first group of 17 released Thai hostages have returned safely back to Thailand,
the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv would like to share the following reflections from the second group of 6 recently released Thai hostages just before their scheduled departure to Thailand:

1. Gong Sae Lao and Mr. Owat Suriyasri

• We are excited to finally be returning home to our families and loved ones. We are grateful for all the related Thai and Israeli authorities for taking great care of us since the moment we were released. We hope that getting to see our families will help us forget all the hardship that we went through during the captivity. With that being said, we do not hold a grudge against anyone and are willing to return to work in Israel as soon as the war is over.

2. Phaiboon Ratnin and Mr. Jakkapan Seekena

• We are thoroughly impressed with the Thai and Israeli staff at the hospital and how they have been treating. The dedication and care from the staff made us feel as if our lives have been changed like night and day since the moment we were released. We would miss them dearly. We sincerely hope that every hostage will be able to return home to see their loved ones soon.

3. Charoemchai Saengkaew and Mr. Pattanayut Tonsakree

• We feel as if we were born anew. At first, we felt despair and did not think we would survive. However, after we were released, we got to talk with our families, met with the Thai and Israeli staff who took excellent care of us. This experience at the hospital made us realize that our lives are still worthwhile and that we are thankful for not having given up.

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Royal Thai Embassy Tel Aviv

3 December 2023