The Thai Embassy in Israel is coordinating the repatriation of the remains of a Thai national who was held hostage by Hamas. This development follows the return of remains of two hostages to Israeli officials by the militant group.

Thailand Calls for Release of Hostages in Gaza

Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura confirmed that one of the deceased has been identified as 31-year-old Sonthaya Akarasri. The ministry has notified the victim’s family and is working to facilitate the swift return of his remains to Thailand. Nikorndej expressed the Thai government’s gratitude towards the Israeli authorities and all involved parties for their persistent efforts in locating, rescuing, and reclaiming the hostages taken captive during the Hamas incursion on October 7, 2023.

Regarding the remains of the second Thai hostage, the spokesman stated that the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy in Tel Aviv are in close coordination with Israeli officials to arrange for their repatriation. The return of the hostages’ remains forms a crucial part of the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States between Israel and Hamas.

After more than two painful years, the second hostage returned to Israel last night has been identified: Sontaya Oukarsri, a Thai farm worker, murdered on October 7 while working in the fields near Be’eri.

May his memory be a blessing🕯️ pic.twitter.com/OW2tz70UkV

— נועה מגיד | Noa magid (@NoaMagid) October 19, 2025

Israeli officials have reportedly received 12 sets of remains so far, with 28 individuals still unaccounted for. They have voiced frustration over what they perceive as delays by Hamas in the handover process. Hamas, however, has reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire terms, attributing difficulties in the process to the challenge of retrieving bodies buried under collapsed buildings throughout Gaza.

Two More Thai Hostages Killed in Gaza Strip: MFA

The October 7 raid in 2023 resulted in the capture of 31 Thai agricultural workers. Five of them were released and returned to Thailand in February of this year, while tragically, 46 Thai nationals were killed in the attack.

-Thailand News (TN)