Watsana Yojampa had been ready by the phone for practically two months, questioning whether or not she would get excellent news — or the worst potential message {that a} mom might hear.
Soon after the Oct. 7 Hamas-led assault in southern Israel during which about 240 hostages had been taken to Gaza, Ms. Watsana’s son, Anucha Angkaew, appeared in {a photograph} that circulated on social media displaying him with three different males being held at gunpoint, fingers behind their backs.
On Sunday at 4 a.m., Ms. Watsana obtained the cellphone name that she was ready for. Her niece realized on X, the social media web site, that Mr. Anucha, an avocado farmhand in Israel, had been launched, and she or he referred to as her aunt. Four hours later, Thai embassy officers confirmed the information to Ms. Watsana.
“I’m so glad, so delighted, that no words can explain,” Ms. Watsana mentioned by phone. “They told me that my son is now under the care of a medical team in a hospital for a health checkup. I hope he is fine and safe.”
Mr. Anucha was amongst 4 Thai hostages launched on Sunday by Hamas as a part of a swap with Israel. Thailand’s prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, mentioned on Sunday that the opposite three had been Natthaphon Onkaew, Khomkrit Chombua and Manee Jirachat. (Their names had been written in Thai, and The New York Times transliterated them.)
Mr. Srettha mentioned on X that every one 4 males had been wholesome and never in want of pressing medical consideration, and that their psychological well being gave the impression to be good. They requested to take showers and call their family, in line with Mr. Srettha.
Separately, the Thai Foreign Ministry mentioned on Sunday that Israeli authorities had elevated by two the variety of Thai residents they consider had been kidnapped. That means 18 Thai residents are nonetheless being held hostage.
