Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed on Monday that the 23 Thai citizens held by militants in Hamas are in good condition, and Thai negotiators have secured assurances for their swift release.
During his discussion with Gen Songwit Noonpakdee, the head of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, on Sunday evening, Mr. Srettha was reassured that all 23 Thai hostages remained unharmed.
Mr. Srettha reported that General Songwit has reviewed images of the detained Thais and is engaged in talks with Hamas through Malaysian intermediaries to secure their release.
The premier shared that the negotiation team is awaiting a temporary ceasefire of 1 to 2 days to create a safe passage for the evacuation of the hostages from the Gaza Strip.
Thailand relies on Malaysia to act as an intermediary in the efforts to secure the release of the captives, the Prime Minister mentioned.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Muk Sulaiman informed journalists on Sunday that the 23 Thai hostages were well cared for and remained out of harm’s way.
As the main negotiator, Muk stated that the Iranian authorities had verified the identities of the Thai captives and had communicated to him that Hamas was prepared for their release.
He elaborated that Hamas was determining the optimal timing and a secure passage for the safe exit of the hostages from the Gaza Strip.
Muk further explained that he would be notified through Iran at the appropriate moment, enabling Parliament President Wan Muhammad Noor Matha to travel to Iran and welcome the freed hostages.
