**Five Thai Hostages Return Home After 18 Months in Gaza**
Five Thai farmers who were held captive by Hamas in Gaza for nearly 500 days have finally returned home to Bangkok. Pongsak Thanne, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lannao were all working in southern Israel when they were kidnapped in October 2023.
**Tears of Joy at Their Return**
The five men were met with tears of joy from their overjoyed relatives and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pongsak Thanne said he was “grateful” to be back home and thanked all the officials who helped them until they were released on January 30 as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
**Family Reunions**
The family of one of the hostages, Somboon Saethao, said they would welcome him home with a traditional Thai ceremony. His father was “so happy” to have his son back and said he didn’t want him to leave home again.
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