The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has confirmed the recovery of another deceased Thai national from Gaza, one of the last two Thai citizens whose remains had yet to be found following the Hamas attacks on Oct 7, 2023.
Identity verification is currently underway before the repatriation of the body to Thailand. The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Israeli authorities to secure the return of the final remaining Thai national’s body.
MFA spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said on Monday that Hamas had handed over one of the hostage bodies from Gaza following the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas on Oct 13.
On Sunday morning, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv received an initial report from Israeli authorities confirming the discovery of the body of a Thai worker, who had been missing since the October 2023 attacks. Later that day, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced via Facebook that one of the two unrecovered Thai workers had been identified as Sonthaya Oakkharasri, 30, an agricultural worker at Kibbutz Be’eri.
According to Israeli officials, Sonthaya was murdered by Hamas terrorists during their brutal attack on southern Israel. His body was subsequently taken to the Gaza Strip and held in Hamas captivity for over two years before his death was confirmed on May 16, 2024.
‘Sonthaya came to Israel to work and build a better future for his family. He was known for his kindness, dedication, and gentle spirit,’ read the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s statement.
The Embassy of Israel in Thailand also issued a statement on Monday confirming that Sonthaya’s body had been transferred back to Israeli territory.
“Israel profoundly appreciates the dedication of Thai workers, who play a vital role in the country’s agriculture sector. The entire nation of Israel empathises deeply and mourns together with the family of Khun Sonthaya. He will always be remembered.
“The State of Israel remains committed to bringing the body of Mr Sudthisak Rinthalak, the last Thai hostage, back to his homeland,’ the statement read.
According to the MFA, the Israeli forensic agency will conduct official verification to confirm Sonthaya’s identity. Once confirmed, the Thai Embassy will coordinate the repatriation process immediately.
Mr Nikorndej extended the ministry’s deepest condolences to Sonthaya’s family, adding that officials have maintained close contact and will provide full assistance after a wait of more than two years.
He reaffirmed that Thailand will continue working closely with Israel to ensure every affected Thai national is identified, honoured, and brought home with dignity.