Freed Thai Hostages Speak Out "We Were Locked in Darkness for Over a Year"

The group, consisting of Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, and Lamnao Surask, were abducted during the Israel-Hamas conflict and held hostage in brutal conditions. Their release was confirmed on Thursday, bringing an end to a prolonged nightmare that began in October 2023.

The five hostages were initially taken to Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, where they were confined to tunnels alongside other captives. Later, they were transferred to small, almost entirely dark rooms in apartments, where they were guarded by a “local” on a 24-hour basis. Their ability to communicate with their captors was hampered by language and cultural barriers, and at times, Israeli hostages helped bridge the communication gap.

Food shortages were a constant challenge for the hostages. In the early days of their captivity, they were given only pita bread, and on several occasions, they were left without food entirely. As their time in captivity dragged on, the terrorists allowed them to cook every few days. Reports also revealed that the hostages suffered prolonged periods of hunger, difficulty breathing in the underground tunnels, and the overwhelming darkness of their cells.

The hostages were split into two groups—two in one location and three in another. As time passed, they managed to communicate with their captors in Arabic. Thenna Pongsak, one of the released hostages, shared that he and Bannawat were abducted together. They were placed in the same vehicle, locked in a room without sunlight, and guarded constantly. “We didn’t go outside and didn’t see sunlight or stars,” Pongsak recalled. “We showered once every four or five days.”

Pongsak also mentioned that, later in their captivity, an Israeli hostage was held with them, further highlighting the broader scope of the abductions. When asked about his release, Thenna described the moment as "being born again," expressing gratitude for the strength he drew from thoughts of his family, especially his 15-year-old daughter, whom he had not seen in over seven years.

Saithiao, another released hostage, spoke emotionally about missing home. “From the day I was kidnapped, I missed Thailand. We forced ourselves to eat just to survive and return home,” he shared, reflecting on the immense psychological and physical toll the experience took on him and his fellow captives.

In recognition of their resilience, Israeli Interior Minister Moshe Arbel announced that the five released hostages would be granted permanent residency in Israel, a gesture of appreciation for their ordeal. However, the tragedy is not yet over. While some of the hostages were released, five foreign workers, including Thai and Nepalese nationals, are still being held captive in Gaza. Tragically, three have been confirmed dead, including Joshua Luitto Molal from Tanzania.

The abduction of the 31 Thai nationals in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict remains a grim chapter in the ongoing violence, but the release of the majority provides hope for the families of those still missing. The enduring strength of the Thai hostages in the face of extreme adversity is a testament to their determination to survive and return home.