Thai national Watchara Sriaoun released from Hamas captivity after 482 days

On January 30, 2025, Thai national Watchara Sriaoun, 32, was released from Hamas captivity in Gaza as part of a separate hostage release deal. He was handed over to the Red Cross, who delivered him to IDF soldiers who escorted him into Israel. Below is what we initially knew of his capture: 

Watchara Sriaoun, 32, a Thai field hand, was taken captive on October 7 when Hamas terrorists swarmed Kibbutz Nir Oz, attacking, assaulting, killing and abducting dozens there during the massacre in southern Israel that saw 1,200 people murdered, mostly civilians, and 251 kidnapped to the Gaza Strip.

According to a letter sent by the kibbutz to the prime minister of Thailand and the Thai ambassador to Israel, 11 Thai workers from the Nir Oz agricultural team were slaughtered and five were abducted along with other members of the kibbutz.

“We respect the enormous sacrifice our Thai employees make, far away from their families, to earn a living and support communities back home. We are deeply saddened they shared our fate that day,” wrote Osnat Peri, the Nir Oz chairperson, in her letter. “We demand the immediate release of every single person abducted that day. The continued denial of medical care to wounded, sick and elderly hostages, puts their lives at risk. We will continue the fight until the last hostage is returned.”