Body of Thai Hostage Returns Home After Two Years

SAMUT PRAKAN, Oct 24 (TNA) - The remains of Sonthaya Akkharasri, a Thai worker taken hostage during the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, arrived back in Thailand on Thursday. 

His body was received in a solemn ceremony at Suvarnabhumi Airport before being transported to his family in Nong Bua Lamphu province.

Thai Labour Minister Treenuch Thienthong led the ceremony, joined by senior ministry officials, a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ambassador of Israel to Thailand. Wreaths were laid, and attendees observed a minute of silence as the worker’s remains were repatriated.

Minister Thienthong expressed profound sadness over the loss. She offered her condolences to his family and pledged that the Thai government would ensure the family receives full compensation and benefits.

Regarding future overseas employment, the Labour Minister noted that the temporary suspension of Thai workers being sent to Israel has been lifted. 

The Department of Employment aims to continue sending workers, with approximately 40,461 Thai nationals currently working in Israel. The minister  stressed the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Thai workers abroad. -819 (TNA)