The father of a Thai farmhand who was held hostage in Gaza for 15 months could barely get the words out at hearing the news of his son’s release.

Pongsak Thenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Seathao, Surasak Lamnau were working in Israeli communities near the border when Hamas attacked on Oct. 7, 2023

Steve Witkoff, the U.S.’s new Middle East envoy, has joined Israelis in Tel Aviv who have gathered to watch the hostage releases in what has become known as “Hostage Square,” according to images broadcast on Israeli television.

Five Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas since its Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel were released on Thursday, while one remaining Thai citizen remains in captivity.

Thailand and Israel have expressed interest in negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) to enhance trade and investment between the two nations.Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said the countries share a mutual interest in establishing an FTA,

Three Israelis and five Thai nationals were freed earlier in what PM Benjamin Netanyahu called "shocking scenes".

Israel had delayed their release in protest against the way the seven hostages freed by Hamas were treated as they were handed over to Red Cross staff in Khan Younis. View on euronews

Five Thai farm workers who were abducted during the 7 October attacks by Hamas on Israel have been released after being held for almost 500 days in Gaza. They were handed over to the Red Cross during chaotic scenes along with two Israelis, shortly after a first Israeli hostage was freed.

As Hamas released five Thai hostages on Thursday, it is important to note what so many Thai workers were doing in Israel. Israel welcomed migrant workers following the 1987-93 Palestinian revolt known as the first Intifada,

Hamas has released three Israeli and five Thai captives in Gaza and Israel began releasing 110 Palestinian prisoners after delaying the process after crowds swarmed one of the captive handover points.

Mother reunites with son after Gaza hostage release; Thai hostages in fair health, Israel recognizes them as terror victims.