BANGKOK, Thailand – The body of the final Thai hostage in Israel has been repatriated and honored by representatives from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Minister’s Advisor Chayika Wongnapachant, representing Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, led the ceremony to receive the body of Nattapong Pinta, the last Thai worker hostage in Israel. She was joined by Chutintorn Khongsak, Labor Ministry representatives, MP Dr. Tossaporn Serirak, and officials from the Israeli Embassy in Thailand.
The repatriation took place at Suvarnabhumi Airport on June 11 at 2:00 p.m. The flight, operated by El Al Israel Airlines, departed Tel Aviv the night before. Nattapong’s wife and family were present at the airport to receive his body.
The advisor reaffirmed the Foreign Minister’s directive for the Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv to ensure that proper compensation and support are provided to the family. The minister was unable to attend due to preparations for the June 14 Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting in Phnom Penh.
Currently, over 60,000 Thai workers have returned to Israel following earlier evacuations. The Ministry urged Thai citizens to follow embassy updates and avoid high-risk zones for their safety.
Two additional Thai nationals believed to be deceased remain unaccounted for. Minister Maris is in continuous contact with Israel’s foreign ministry and has requested a dedicated search team to locate and repatriate the bodies.
Officials placed a wreath on the coffin and observed a moment of silence to honor Nattapong, one of three Thai nationals taken hostage in Gaza. The remaining two have been confirmed dead since 2024, though their remains have not yet been recovered. (NNT)
