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Remains of last Thai hostage in Gaza have been returned, Israeli authorities say
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had been notified by Israeli authorities that the remains of a hostage that was returned was identified as Sudhisak Rinthalak, a Thai national.
2 min readBangkokDec 4, 2025 10:41 AM IST
First published on: Dec 4, 2025 at 10:41 AM IST
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Red Cross convoy carrying the body of a person believed to be a deceased hostage handed over by Hamas militants makes its way toward the border crossing with Israel, to be transferred to Israeli authorities, in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip. (AP Photo) Thai officials on Thursday said remains handed over to Israel by militants in Gaza have been identified as belonging to the last Thai hostage taken during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that launched the war.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had been notified by Israeli authorities that the remains of a hostage that was returned was identified as Sudhisak Rinthalak, a Thai national who was an agricultural worker.
Nikorndej Balankura, the ministry’s spokesperson, said that Sudhisak’s family has been notified. He added that Sudhisak was killed on the day of the attack, and his body was taken into Gaza.
He thanked the Israeli government for their assistance that led to the release of all Thai hostages.
In all, 20 living hostages and the remains of 27 others have been returned to Israel since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire began in early October. The returns are a key part of the terms of a shaky ceasefire, which both Hamas and Israel have accused the other of breaking.
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With just one hostage left, the sides are close to wrapping up the first phase of the ceasefire.
Since the start of the ceasefire, Israel has released the bodies of hundreds Palestinians to Gaza, in exchange for hostages or their remains. Most remain unidentified.
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