Thailand’s foreign minister has embarked on an urgent diplomatic mission to Qatar and Egypt this Tuesday to discuss the situation of 22 Thai nationals who have been taken hostage by Hamas during their attack on Israel.
Israeli authorities report that more than 1,400 people lost their lives in the attack on Israel, initiated by Hamas on October 7 from the Gaza Strip. In response, the Israeli military has launched a series of airstrikes on Gaza. According to the health ministry, over 8,300 people in Gaza have been killed, with more than 3,000 of them being children.
The latest Israeli figures indicate that over 230 hostages are being held by Hamas in Gaza, with 22 of them being Thai citizens, as confirmed by Thailand’s foreign ministry in Bangkok.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed on Monday that his government is diligently working to ensure the safe return of Thai citizens. As part of these efforts, Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara has been dispatched to meet with the Qatari prime minister and foreign minister on Tuesday, followed by talks with the Egyptian foreign minister on Wednesday.
Parnpree’s discussions will focus on the situation of Thai nationals held hostage due to the ongoing violence in Israel and Gaza, according to a statement from the ministry.
It’s worth noting that approximately 30,000 Thais were working in Israel, with many of them employed in the agricultural sector when the conflict erupted. Sadly, at least 32 Thai nationals have lost their lives in the conflict, and 19 have been wounded, according to the Thai foreign ministry.
Prime Minister Srettha emphasized the impact on Thai workers, stating, “We are more like victims of the war. We have been more affected because there are more workers from Thailand in Israel than from other countries.”