Freed Thai hostages arrived in Bangkok

The families of Thai farm workers held hostage in Gaza for over a year wept with joy and hugged their loved ones as they arrived in Bangkok on Sunday. The five Thais smiled as they walked into the arrival hall at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport after being freed on January 30, as part of a ceasefire deal, aimed at ending the Gaza war.

The five landed in Bangkok at 7:30 AM local time on Sunday and were met by a small group of overjoyed relatives and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said it was "very inspiring" to witness their return, and that officials would monitor their reintegration into Thai society, "focusing on their mental health". The five returnees are now making their way to their hometowns.