A Thai farm worker held hostage in Gaza for almost 16 months says he feels “reborn” as he and four compatriots arrive home to tears of joy from their relieved families.
The five — Watchara Sriaoun, Pongsak Tanna, Sathian Suwannakham, Surasak Lamnau and Bannawat Saethao — were met by a small group of overjoyed relatives and officials at the airport in Bangkok before traveling on to their hometowns.
Watchara was embraced by his parents and nine-year-old daughter as he arrived at his simple two-story home in northeastern Udon Thani province and was handed bright yellow marigolds, a Thai symbol of prosperity.
“Thank you to everyone who helped me out. I feel like I have been reborn,” the 33-year-old says, before eating his first meal with his family in several years.
Weeping, his 85-year-old grandfather tells him: “You are back, I thought you were dead.”
His mother Viewvaew says he had little to eat in captivity, and was sometimes not allowed to shower, but kept himself sane by drawing on whatever he could find, including his blanket.
“I am really glad that I can hug him in person. I thank God that my son is healthy both mentally and physically,” she says.
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From the Liveblog of
Sunday, February 9, 2025
