Thai Foreign Minister's Visit to the Middle East for Negotiations on the Release of Hamas Hostages

On Tuesday, the Thai Foreign Minister traveled to Qatar and Egypt to discuss the fate of at least 22 Thai citizens who were taken hostage during the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated on Monday that the government is making significant efforts to bring Thai citizens back home. On Tuesday, he sent Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara to meet and discuss with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar. The Thai Foreign Minister will also consult with his Egyptian counterpart on Wednesday. According to the latest statistics released by Israel, over 230 individuals have been kidnapped and taken to Gaza following the terrorist attacks by Hamas militants on Israeli territory, including 22 Thai citizens. Israeli officials have reported a different number, claiming that 54 Thais have been abducted in the Hamas-Israel conflict. The Thai Foreign Ministry stated that Bahiddha-Nukara would consult with officials in Qatar and Egypt regarding the status of his country's citizens who have been taken hostage amid the ongoing violence in Israel and Gaza. Previously, Voice of America reported that over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the Hamas militant attacks that began on October 6. In response to the terrorist attacks on Israeli territory, the Israeli army launched an assault on Gaza. The Palestinian Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, claims that over 8,300 people have been killed in the more than three weeks since the war began, with Hamas claiming that over 3,000 of the deceased were children. At the onset of the conflict, nearly 30,000 Thais were working in Israel, many of whom were employed in agriculture. Thavisin stated on Monday, before his trip to Laos, that 'we are more like victims of war. We are more affected because the number of Thai workers in Israel is greater than from other countries.' The Prime Minister noted that Thai citizens go to other countries for financial reasons and that the government is providing $1,400 in financial assistance to Thais wishing to return from Israel, as well as to those who have already returned. Al Jazeera reported a horrific display of the Hamas attack at the United Nations; a Hamas fighter attempted to separate the head of a Thai worker from his body with a gardening shovel. At least 64 dead and 78 missing from 23 countries have been recorded in Israel. The number of foreign citizens killed in terrorist attacks in Israel is rising; Thailand has confirmed the deaths of 12 of its citizens.