Thailand seeks help from Qatar and Egypt in Hamas negotiations
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said on Monday that he would travel to Qatar and Egypt today (October 31) to discuss negotiations with Hamas to release Thai hostages being held amid the Hamas-Israel war that broke out earlier this month.
Parnpree said he has been communicating with the leaders and representatives of Qatar and Egypt to rescue Thai captives, who went to Israel for work and have no political affiliation with either Palestine or Israel.
“Our goal is the release of Thai hostages as soon as possible, although no one knows exactly where the hostages are being held. They could be in the Gaza Strip or elsewhere,” Parnpree said. “The government is ready to negotiate with Hamas via any channel available for the release of the hostages.”
The Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday night that the number of Thais being held hostage has risen from 19 to 22. The number of deaths and injured remains the same at 32 and 19 respectively.
On Monday Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called on all Thai workers to return from Israel after three more were abducted by Hamas militants.
“We do not know how the situation in Israel and Gaza will escalate, so we urge those who have not registered to return yet to do so as soon as possible to reduce the risk of increasing injuries or deaths,” added Parnpree.
As of Monday, a total of 7,415 Thai workers have been brought back from Israel, though some have chosen to continue living in the Jewish state.
