BANGKOK, May 17 (TNA) – Two more Thai hostages have been killed in Gaza, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its demand for the remaining 6 hostages to be released.
Nikorndej Balankura, MFA Spokesperson, read a statement from the ministry after being notified by the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv that Israel government’s Committee for Assessing the Conditions of the Hostages had examined credible evidence and informed that two of the remaining 8 Thai hostages yet to be released have been killed – Mr. Sonthaya Oakkharasri and Mr. Sudthisak Rinthalak. They are believed to have died since the early stages of the incident in October 2023.
The Thai government expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. The embassy and the Ministry’s Consular Affairs Department have contacted both families, and relevant agencies will coordinate assistance for the families where applicable.
The demand for the immediate and safe release of all remaining hostages, including the 6 other Thai hostages, to return home was reiterated. All parties were also urged to make utmost efforts to achieve negotiations and an immediate resolution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Regarding this matter, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) saying, “I am deeply saddened to receive reports of the deaths of two Thai hostages in Gaza. The Thai government will continue to pursue all avenues to ensure the swift release of all remaining hostages.”
Srettha gave an interview after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, stating that he informed Macron that Thailand still has hostages being held captive. France expressed condolences and is ready to support a temporary ceasefire, despite Thailand’s multiple unsuccessful calls for a ceasefire. President Macron proposed using the upcoming Olympic Games that France will host in July as a period for halting conflicts and using sports to build connections. France will take the lead in gathering member countries to express their intention to call for a ceasefire during the Olympics, and has invited Thailand to join this group. -819 (TNA)
