Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar today (Monday, 20 October 2025) spoke with Thai FM Sihasak Phuangketkeow and briefed him on the release of deceased Thai hostage Sonthaya Oakkharasri on Saturday night.
FM Sa’ar:
“Just spoke with Thai FM Sihasak Phuangketkeow, following the release of dead Thai hostage Sonthaya Oakkharasri.
I briefed him on the return of Sonthaya’s body on Saturday night.
I expressed our deepest condolences to the people of Thailand and his family.
Sonthaya was killed on Oct. 7th outside Kibbutz Be’eri and his body was taken hostage by Hamas.
I told my counterpart that Israel will grant all the assistance and benefits to Sonthaya’s family, as to any Israeli victim of terror, as we did with the previous Thai victims.
I also emphasized Israel’s ongoing efforts to return the remaining 16 dead hostages, including Thai citizen Sudthisak Rinthalak.
Regarding Hamas‘s violation of the ceasefire yesterday by attacking IDF soldiers, I said that Israel will respond forcefully to any violation.
We discussed bilateral relations, including the importance of Thai workers in Israel.
I invited my counterpart to soon visit Israel.”