Israel has announced the recovery of the body of Thai national Nattapong Pinta, who was abducted during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. Pinta, a 36-year-old agricultural worker, was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz and later killed in captivity. His remains were retrieved from the Rafah area in southern Gaza during a special military operation.
Background: Thai Nationals in Israel
Thailand has a significant number of citizens working in Israel, particularly in the agricultural sector. Prior to the October 2023 attack, approximately 30,000 Thai nationals were employed in Israel. During the attack, 31 Thai workers were taken hostage, and 46 were killed. Many of the Thai workers lived in compounds on the outskirts of southern Israeli communities, areas that were among the first to be overrun during the assault.
Ongoing Hostage Crisis
As of June 7, 2025, Israel reports that 55 hostages remain in Gaza, with more than half believed to be deceased. Among the remaining hostages are several foreign nationals, including Thai citizens. The Israeli military continues efforts to recover all hostages, both living and deceased.
International and Humanitarian Concerns
The recovery of Pinta’s body comes amid ongoing military operations in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have resulted in significant casualties. Gaza’s health ministry reports over 54,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began, with the majority being women and children. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread displacement and shortages of essential resources.
Thailand’s government has expressed condolences and continues to monitor the situation closely, advocating for the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad.
The ongoing conflict underscores the complex challenges faced by international workers in conflict zones and the broader implications for regional stability and humanitarian efforts.
