Israel and Thailand Strengthen Ties Amid Ongoing Hostage Crisis

Edited by:  Fern Sidman

In a high-level diplomatic meeting on Thursday, Ambassador Ofir Akunis, Israel’s Consul General in New York, met with Somjai Taphaopong, the Consul General of Thailand in New York, to discuss the ongoing hostage situation involving Thai nationals abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The meeting highlighted the deep concern both nations share over the plight of captives still held in Hamas-controlled tunnels, as well as Israel’s unwavering commitment to securing their release.

During the meeting, Consul General Taphaopong expressed Thailand’s appreciation for Israel’s persistent efforts to recover hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal cross-border attack. She specifically acknowledged Israel’s role in securing the release of several Thai nationals and emphasized that one Thai citizen remains in captivity, stating: “Thank you to the Israeli government for its efforts to free our hostages. One of our citizens is still being held, and we are waiting for his release.”

Thailand, which had a significant number of its citizens working in southern Israel when the attacks occurred, has been deeply affected by the violence. Many Thai workers were among those abducted, injured, or killed in the attack, leading to intensified diplomatic engagement between Bangkok and Jerusalem.

In response, Ambassador Akunis reaffirmed Israel’s uncompromising mission to bring back all hostages from Hamas captivity, condemning the terrorist organization’s merciless attack on October 7. He stated: “Israel is committed to bringing back all the hostages from the Hamas tunnels where they were taken on October 7. The brutal terrorists attacked mercilessly, killing Israelis, Jews and non-Jews, as well as citizens from other countries around the world—many of them from Thailand.”

Akunis’ remarks highlight the international scale of the crisis, with citizens from multiple nations—including Thailand—among the victims of Hamas’ terrorist rampage. This further emphasizes the global implications of the Israel-Hamas war, as Israel continues its military and intelligence efforts to dismantle Hamas’ underground network of terror and secure the safe return of all abducted individuals.

The tragic impact of October 7 on Thailand was profound. With thousands of Thai agricultural workers employed in Israeli border communities, many were caught in the crossfire of Hamas’ indiscriminate massacre. Reports indicate that at least 39 Thai nationals were murdered in the attack, while nearly 30 were kidnapped and transported into Gaza.

The crisis has deepened diplomatic ties between Israel and Thailand, as both governments work closely to negotiate the release of captives and address security concerns. Thailand has actively participated in diplomatic efforts alongside Israel, Egypt, and Qatar to facilitate hostage negotiations, while also ensuring the safe return of Thai nationals through coordinated diplomatic channels.

The meeting between Akunis and Taphaopong reflects a broader international consensus that terrorist attacks such as those perpetrated by Hamas must be condemned unequivocally. Israel has consistently highlighted that Hamas does not discriminate in its brutality, targeting not just Israeli civilians but also foreign workers, tourists, and international residents.

The abduction of Thai citizens has prompted Bangkok to re-evaluate security protocols for its nationals abroad, particularly in conflict zones. Meanwhile, Israel has continued to call for greater global action against Hamas, urging the international community to take a firmer stance against terrorism and ensure that all hostages—regardless of nationality—are freed without conditions.

As of today, one Thai citizen remains in Hamas captivity, a stark reminder that the hostage crisis is far from over. The meeting between Ambassador Akunis and Consul General Taphaopong signifies the unwavering resolve of both nations to seek justice, ensure the safe return of the remaining captive, and reinforce diplomatic cooperation in combating terrorism and hostage-taking.

While diplomatic negotiations continue, Israel remains steadfast in its military and intelligence operations to bring all hostages home. The tragic events of October 7 have only strengthened Israel’s commitment to eliminating Hamas as a terrorist threat, ensuring that no nation—whether Israel, Thailand, or any other—has to endure the horror of such an unprovoked and barbaric assault again.