A Thai laborer’s fate is finally known. Nattapong Pintatong, 35, was taken hostage by Hamas militants in October 2023. His body was found in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli ambassador to Thailand, Orna Sagiv, confirmed the news. Nattapong was a farmworker who sent money back to his family in Thailand. The Israeli government and embassy express deep condolences to his family and the people of Thailand.
Nattapong was the last of five Thai hostages being held by Hamas. The others were released in January 2024. His body was identified after a special operation by the Israeli military, with help from intelligence and Shin Bet, Israel’s security agency.
The operation used tips from arrested terrorists and intelligence from the Israeli military. This led to a big search, and Nattapong’s body was found in the city of Rafah, in southern Gaza. It’s believed he was killed in captivity, along with three Israeli hostages – a mother and her two young children.
The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, was brutal. Thousands of rockets were fired at Israeli border towns. Militants stormed almost 50 locations, including farms, military bases, and a music festival. Many people were killed at the festival, and others were shot in their homes. The attack left 1,205 people dead and 251 taken hostage in Gaza.
Nattapong’s body has been returned to Israel. The Israeli government has officially informed his family and the Thai government of his death. The news has also been shared with the kibbutz where he worked.
The Israeli military says Nattapong’s case was a top priority. They worked to find him after the other Thai hostages were released. His death is a sad end to a long and difficult ordeal.