Herzog: Slain hostage Sudthisak Rinthalak ‘can finally be laid to rest with dignity’

President Isaac Herzog sends condolences to the family of slain hostage Sudthisak Rinthalak, whose body was returned to Israel from Gaza yesterday, as well as to the people of his home country of Thailand.

“For 789 painful days, Sudthisak was held hostage in Gaza,” Herzog says in a statement. “His family back in Thailand have waited in agony for his return. Now, Sudthisak can finally be laid to rest with dignity.”

Herzog adds, “On behalf of the people of Israel, I send my deepest condolences to King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, Sudthisak Rinthalak’s family, and the entire Thai people. I also express my appreciation for the Thai community in Israel, who continue to contribute so much to our country.”

The president’s statement notes that Rinthalak, an agricultural worker who was killed in the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, onslaught, was one of 31 Thai nationals taken hostage that day. During the attack, 39 Thai nationals were murdered.

Herzog vows to keep pushing for the return of the body of the last slain captive held in Gaza, police Master Sgt. Ran Gvili.

“When we say we won’t stop until every last hostage is home, we mean it,” he says.

Sudthisak Rinthalak was an agricultural worker who came from Thailand to Israel to support his family.

On October 7th, 2023, Sudthisak was brutally murdered and abducted by terrorists into Gaza. A total of 39 Thai nationals were murdered and 31 Thai nationals were taken captive… pic.twitter.com/DRv28R0IZK

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) December 4, 2025