KUALA LUMPUR – The Thai government, through its Foreign Ministry, has expressed its gratitude to Malaysia for its part in assisting the release of Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas.
In a statement published yesterday, the ministry also thanked Qatar, Israel, Egypt, Iran and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for their assistance on the matter.
The statement said currently, the hostages’ identities remain unknown. However, they have entered Israel via the Rafah border crossing after their release and are being transported to the processing point at Hatzerim Air Force Base.
“The Royal Thai government expresses its thanks to all from whom it sought assistance, in securing the release of these first hostages, namely the government of Qatar, Israel, Egypt, Iran, Malaysia and the ICRC.
“It is our deep hope that all remaining hostages will be taken care of and will be safely released at the earliest opportunity.
“The ministry (also) sends its heartfelt congratulations to these 10 Thai nationals and their families, and will do all possible to expedite their return to Thailand,” the statement read.
On October 12, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was reported to have sought assistance from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to secure the release of its nationals held hostage by Hamas.
Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his gratitude to those involved in the process of the release.
“On behalf of my government and the families of Thai hostages, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone we sought assistance from, namely the governments of Qatar, Egypt, Israel, Iran, Malaysia and the ICRC for all of their strong efforts in securing this latest release of 10 hostages.
Scoop has reached out to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir for confirmation and is currently waiting for a response.
Qatar had brokered a four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the north and south areas of Gaza, in a deal that received assistance from Egypt and the United States.
The temporary ceasefire commenced on November 24 and involved the exchange of prisoners and hostages held by Israel and Hamas. – November 25, 2023