Israel has identified the remains of Sudthisak Rinthalak, marking the return of the final Thai hostage Gaza held since 7 October 2023. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Israeli authorities notified them that the remains returned on Wednesday were those of Sudthisak, an agricultural worker employed at Kibbutz Be’eri.
Figure 1 Thai agricultural workers harvesting crops in Israel
Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura stated Sudthisak was killed on the day of the attack. After the attack, his remains were transported across the border into Gaza. The identification of the Thai hostage remains identified completes the return of all 31 Thai nationals abducted during the October attacks.
Gaza War Updates Reveal Comprehensive Hostage Recovery
Thailand’s Ministry thanked Israeli authorities for the assistance that led to the release of all 31 Thai hostages taken at the start. Of these individuals, 28 were returned alive, whilst three were returned deceased. The Gaza war updates show that successful recovery demonstrates effective bilateral coordination between Thailand and Israel throughout the conflict.
Figure 2: Exterior view of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok
Thai nationals represented the largest group of foreigners held in captivity. Most were released during earlier ceasefire phases. The workers were employed in agricultural operations across southern Israeli communities near the Gaza border.
Ceasefire Progress Nears Completion With Final Returns
Following the commencement of the recent October truce, Israel has received 20 survivors along with the remains of 27 additional individuals. The return of the final Thai hostage Gaza held is a key element of the first phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which began in October. Both Hamas and Israel have accused each other of violating the ceasefire terms.
As only one person remains unreturned, both parties appear to be nearing completion of the ceasefire’s initial stage. In exchange for hostage returns, Israel has been releasing Palestinian prisoners. Since the truce started, Israel has released the bodies of hundreds of Palestinians to Gaza. Most remain unidentified.
Thai Agricultural Workers in Israel Face Ongoing Risks
Sudthisak Rinthalak was an agricultural worker from Thailand employed at Kibbutz Be’eri. The community experienced significant casualties during the 7 October attack. The agricultural sector in southern Israel heavily relied on Thai workers for farm operations.
Many Thai labourers working abroad originate from economically disadvantaged provinces. Jobs in Israel paid many times what workers could earn at home. Israel and Thailand implemented a bilateral agreement to ease the way for workers in the agriculture sector.
Industry Outlook for International Agricultural Labour
The agricultural labour market in Israel faces significant transformation following the 7 October attacks. International worker programmes are undergoing review as security concerns reshape employment patterns near border regions. The Thai worker programme, which brought thousands of agricultural labourers annually, now requires enhanced safety protocols.
Regional agricultural operations continue adapting to changing workforce dynamics. Israel seeks alternative labour sources while maintaining productivity across its farming sector. The incident highlights vulnerabilities faced by migrant agricultural workers in conflict-adjacent regions.
Failed Initial Identification Attempt Preceded Successful Return
Netanyahu explained that forensic exams revealed the fragments handed over on Tuesday were not linked to the two individuals who remained unaccounted for in Gaza. Palestinian fighters subsequently said they had found more remains in northern Gaza and turned them over to the Red Cross. The Red Cross acted as intermediary throughout the exchange process.
Figure 3: Red Cross vehicles positioned near a border crossing
The two hostage bodies still in Gaza were Israeli Ran Gvili and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak. Ran Gvili was an Israeli police officer who helped people escape from the Nova music festival on 7 October 2023. He was killed fighting at another location.
Family Notification Completed Through Official Channels
Nikorndej Balankura confirmed that Sudthisak’s family has been notified of the identification. Thai authorities coordinated with Israeli forensic experts throughout the verification process. The identification required DNA analysis and forensic examination to confirm that it was the Thai hostage remains identified that the hostage Gaza held.
Thailand maintained diplomatic channels with multiple parties to secure the release of its nationals. The Foreign Ministry worked alongside Israeli authorities, maintaining communication throughout the 14-month period. Thai officials expressed gratitude for international cooperation that facilitated the returns.
Regional Impact of Hostage Crisis
The hostage situation affected broader regional dynamics throughout the conflict. International pressure mounted for a resolution as families awaited news. Thai communities followed developments closely, with many workers’ families anxiously monitoring reports. The agricultural sector faced labour shortages as thousands of Thai workers departed Israel following the attacks.
The Thai hostage remains identified and handed over on Tuesday did not match either of the last two hostages. The handover process involved searches through areas affected by conflict. Palestinian militants faced challenges retrieving remains from damaged structures in the northern Gaza regions.
FAQ
Q1: How many Thai nationals were taken hostage on 7 October 2023?
A total of 31 Thai nationals were taken hostage during the 7 October 2023 attacks. These individuals represented the largest group of foreigners held in captivity. Most were agricultural workers employed in southern Israeli communities near Gaza.
Q2: How many Thai hostages have been returned alive?
Of the 31 Thai hostages taken, 28 were returned alive, whilst three were returned deceased. The final deceased hostage, Sudthisak Rinthalak, was returned on 4 December 2025. The successful return demonstrates effective diplomatic coordination between Thailand and Israel.
Q3: What was Sudthisak Rinthalak’s occupation in Israel?
Sudthisak Rinthalak worked as an agricultural worker at Kibbutz Be’eri. He was employed in the farming sector, which heavily relies on Thai labour. Kibbutz Be’eri was among the hardest-hit communities during the 7 October attacks.
Q4: How many hostages remain in Gaza?
With Sudthisak Rinthalak’s return, just one hostage remains in Gaza. Israeli police officer Ran Gvili’s remains are still held. Since the ceasefire began in October, 20 living hostages and 27 remains have been returned.
Q5: What role did Thailand’s government play in securing releases?
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry maintained diplomatic channels with Israeli authorities throughout the crisis. They coordinated with international mediators to facilitate releases. The Thai government worked continuously to ensure the safe return of all nationals.
