Vilas Thanna, the father of Pongsak Thanna, a Thai fruit farmer held hostage in Gaza, could take the words out as he assimilates the news of his son’s release after 15 months of captivity.
“When we are happy, they cry,” he said. “When we are sad, they are crying as well. But these are happy tears.”
Mr Pongsak was among five Thai hostages released on Thursday. Farm workers in often dangerous parts of Israel, Thai farmers suffered heavy tolls on Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023. At least 39 were killed and at least 31 were taken hostage, according to a previous agreement by the Thai Foreign Ministry.
In November 2023, 23 of these hostages were released. Two more died in captivity, the Thai Foreign Ministry said last May. (On Thursday night, a Thai foreign ministry official said the total deaths were 46 years old, but it was not clear if that number is only mentioned in October 7 attacks).
The hostages released on Thursday were Mr Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Seathao and Surasak Lamnao. The fate of a remaining Thai hostage, Nattapong Pinta, is not clear.
Mr Vilas, his father, Mr. Pongsak, said he was planning to go to Bangkok, the Thai capital, to meet the plane carrying his son, although the cost may be prohibitive.
The Thai hostages in a previous round of releases in November 2023 said they had to pay for their flights from Bangok back to their provinces. Thai labor officials say that they have disbursed funds since then.
The financial difficulties have pushed thousands of Thais, especially from the Isan region of northeast Thailand, to undertake agricultural jobs in Israel, despite the dangers. Except for those who died on October 7, killing, other Thai farmers have been killed over the years in missile attacks in Israel, including October.
But the money earned in Israel can change the life and the villages of Isan are interrupted with modern houses built by these profits abroad. Some workers who suffered from the attacks on October 7 have returned to Israel to complete their contracts.
Wiwwaeo Srioen, his mother Mr. Watchara, one of the five Thais released on Thursday, gathered at home with a gagggle relative when he heard about his return.
She also talked about tears of joy. As her family shouted around her, Mr Wiwwaeo’s voice got up in an excited voice.
“I hope he can come home safely,” he said.
But she was not sure if she had the luxury of going to Bangkok to meet her son.
At the moment, she said, she was happy to see her son’s name on the television screen between those who were ultimately free.
