Govt assures families of Thai hostages of constant efforts to free them

Ministry spokesperson Kanchana Patarachoke said that Thai embassies in countries relevant to the issue are actively negotiating with the foreign ministries of those countries and relevant agencies in an attempt to get the remaining Thai hostages released.

She said Thailand backs international efforts for a ceasefire and immediate release of hostages. She noted that relevant countries including Israel, Egypt, and Qatar have been involved in negotiations.

She said that Thailand on December 12 voted along with 152 other United Nations member countries to support a proposed resolution by Egypt calling for an immediate ceasefire and unconditional release of hostages.

“Families of the [Thai] hostages should rest assured that Thai authorities are still working continuously to ensure their release,” said Kanchana, who also serves as director-general of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of Information.

Israel has attacked the Palestinian Gaza Strip with bombardments and ground troops after Hamas militants streamed across the border in a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing over 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages.

The death toll in Gaza has reached 18,800, including 8,000 children and 6,200 women, according to media reports.