“The Thai nationals in captivity are safe,” he said, adding that they could be released only if a ceasefire was announced.
“I hope that it will be less than 10 days, or even a few days.”
Thailand’s negotiating team – mostly consisting of Thai Muslims – had been in hourly contact with the armed group, he said.
“We have pushed for the Thais to be released soon, and Hamas has assured us,” said Lepong, president of the Thai-Iran Alumni Association.
Lepong’s comments come after the Thai foreign minister travelled to Qatar earlier this month to hold talks with his Iranian counterpart over the Thai nationals’ release.
About 30,000 Thais were working in Israel, mostly in the agriculture sector, at the time of the attack, according to the kingdom’s labour ministry.
Thirty-nine citizens have been killed and 19 wounded in the conflict, with the kingdom evacuating more than 8,500 of its people, according to the Thai foreign ministry.
Source: CNA
