Body of last Thai hostage retrieved by Israeli military in Gaza

The body of the last Thai hostage, Nattapong Pinta, still held by Hamas in Gaza, has been retrieved by the Israeli military, according to Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, on Jun. 7.

Last hostage

Bangkok Post reported that Nattapong was one of 31 hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7 2023, 28 of whom have since been released alive, while two others were confirmed to have died.

Nattapong’s status was unknown at the beginning of the year when five other Thai hostages were released.

In an article published on Jan. 31, 2025, The Guardian reported that his family were concerned when Nattapong was not part of the group of five hostages released.

It was feared that he had died.

Nattapong was part of a group of approximately 30,000 Thai nationals working in Israel before 2023, primarily in the agricultural sector, with many working on southern farms bordering Gaza.

During the Oct. 7 attacks, over 1,200 people were killed by Hamas militants, including over 41 Thai nationals.

Over 240 people were taken hostage, including 31 Thais and one Filipino, who has since been released.

Nikkei Asia reported that Nattapong was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office said he had been killed in captivity near the start of the war.

It further said it believes 55 hostages remain in Gaza and that it believes more than half are dead.

No end to fighting

Israel’s response to the Oct. 7 attack has been ongoing and has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.

Israel and Hamas briefly agreed to a ceasefire and hostage exchange earlier in 2025, which resulted in the five Thai nationals being released and returned to Thailand.

But since then, the ceasefire has broken down entirely, with Israel limiting the amount of humanitarian aid that can be provided to civilians in Gaza, causing a severe food crisis.

This action has prompted criticism from world leaders, including present and former Singaporean leaders.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on May 30 that "restrictions imposed on the delivery of humanitarian supplies are completely unacceptable", and that it was "likely a breach of humanitarian law".

Former president Halimah Yacob criticised Israel's aid blockade on May 23, saying it was a "humanitarian catastrophe which is getting worse daily".

Top image via Nattapong Pinta/Facebook