A Buddhist monk visited five Thai nationals released from Gaza captivity at Shamir Medical Center. The hostages participated in a spiritual ceremony with family and Thai embassy staff following their release last week. Diplomatic efforts by the Thai government were acknowledged, emphasizing collaboration with various nations to secure their freedom.
A Buddhist monk visited on Wednesday the five Thai nationals recently freed from Gaza captivity. Currently residing at the Shamir Medical Center in Be’er Yaakov, the hostages participated in a spiritual ceremony along with family members and Thai embassy staff. These individuals were reunited with their families earlier this week after their release, which occurred last Thursday.
The five Thai nationals, identified as Thenna Pongsak (36), Sathian Suwannakham (35), Sriaoun Watchara (33), Seathao Bannawat (27), and Rumnao Surasak (32), were kidnapped on October 7 while working in the Gaza border area. Their release coincided with the freeing of Israeli hostages, Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Moses, and an earlier release of IDF observer Agam Berger. It is noted that Rintalak Suttisak, 43, and Sahaot Banawat, 30, lost their lives in the ensuing violence and are still unaccounted for.
Upon the release of the Thai nationals, Thailand’s ambassador to Israel, Pannabha Chandraramya, detailed diplomatic efforts made by their government, stating, “Our government worked together with all parties involved – we worked with Israel, Qatar, Iran, Egypt, and of course the US – we did everything that every other government involved would do.” This highlights the collaborative nature of the negotiation process underscoring international relations concerning hostage situations.
In a broader context, according to a 2022 report from the U.S. Department of State, Buddhism is the predominant religion in Thailand, with approximately 92.5% of its population identifying as Buddhist. This cultural backdrop likely plays a role in the spiritual practices and ceremonies observed by the released hostages as they reconnect with their families.
The article reports on the release of five Thai nationals who had been held captive in Gaza, emphasizing the humanitarian aspects as they reunited with families and participated in spiritual ceremonies. It highlights the collaborative international diplomatic efforts that facilitated their release against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in the region, while also providing context about Thailand’s cultural and religious makeup.
In summary, the release of five Thai nationals from Gaza underscores the role of international diplomacy in resolving hostage situations. The visit from a Buddhist monk reflects cultural traditions and offers spiritual support to the returnees and their families. The incident highlights ongoing humanitarian concerns, showcasing both the challenges of the region and the international community’s response.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
