Thailand’s FM, Chief of Staff, in Emotional Kotel Visit Marking Release of Thai Hostages

Photo Credit: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation

Thai delegation at the Kotel, February 2, 2025.

A delegation of senior Thai government officials arrived at the Western Wall Sunday evening as part of their visit to Israel following the release of the Thai hostages and in preparation for ongoing efforts to secure the release of Thai nationals still held captive.

Sathin Suwankham, 34, Pongsak Thainna, 35, Banawat Saithiaw, 27, Sirion Watchara, 32, and Solasak Lamnaew, 30, were the five Thai citizens released from captivity in Gaza last Thursday. Their release followed a behind-the-scenes agreement between the Thai government, Hamas, and Iran. Sirion Watchara’s mother, Viviaw, burst into tears at the moment of her son’s release after 482 days in the terrorists’ hands.

The staff at Assaf haRofe hospital welcoming the five released Thai hostages, January 30, 2025. / Yossi Aloni/Flash90

At Shamir Hospital (Asaf Harofeh) in Be’er Ya’akov, the Thai nationals and the hospital team became a family. The Thai survivors were placed in a special compound for their care, and the hospital also announced that the Thai returnees were being treated by a Thai doctor sent by the Thai army. This doctor met them at the reception point and accompanied them to the hospital for further treatment.

The high-level Thai delegation was led by Thailand’s foreign minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, and included Thai army chief of staff General Songwit Nunphakdi, deputy foreign minister Russ Jalichandra, and Thailand’s ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya.

The delegation was briefed on the significance of the Kotel, and members were deeply moved by the continuous prayers at the holy site for the safe return of the hostages. They expressed their gratitude for the warmth and hospitality extended by the people of Israel to the Thai nation.

At the conclusion of their visit, the delegation offered a silent prayer at the Kotel—giving thanks for the return of those freed and praying for the swift release of all remaining hostages, including three Thai citizens who are still being held by Hamas.

Pintha Natthapong, 35, is the last living Thai citizen still held captive. Meanwhile, Sontia Ok’krasri, 30, and Sontisek Rintalk, 43, were tragically murdered on the day of the massacre in the Kibbutz Be’eri orchards. Their bodies remain in the Gaza Strip.