Thai Muslim politicians held talks with Hamas in Iran seeking hostage release

At least 23 Thai nationals were among more than 240 people taken captive by Hamas militants after a surprise attack on Israel on October 7

Former Thai education minister Areepen Uttarasin, who met Hamas officials in Tehran, says he was told the Thai hostages are ‘living comfortably and out of danger’

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Thai-Muslim demonstrators hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against Israel and in solidarity with the Palestinian people at the Israeli embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 21. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 9:30pm, 3 Nov 2023Updated: 9:46pm, 3 Nov 2023

Politicians from Thailand’s Muslim minority have held talks with Hamas in an effort to secure the release of around a dozen Thai hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist group in Israeli-besieged Gaza, a former lawmaker said on Friday.

At least 23 Thai nationals were among more than 240 people taken captive by Hamas militants when they burst out of Gaza on October 7 and went on a killing and kidnapping spree through southwestern Israeli communities. Israel responded by relentlessly bombarding the enclave, then invading it.

Areepen Uttarasin, a veteran Thai politician and former education minister, said he travelled to the Iranian capital Tehran and met senior Hamas officials there on October 26 for more than two hours.

“They told me that the Thai hostages are living comfortably and are out of danger,” Areepen said, declining to name the Hamas officials he met. “I told them that I am here not to negotiate but simply to ask for their release.”

Areepen Uttarasin, a veteran Thailand politician and former education minister. Photo: Areepen Utarasint/Facebook

The 23 Thais form the largest group of captives in Gaza from any single foreign country.

Thailand’s foreign ministry did not confirm the politicians’ talks with Hamas but said it welcomed assistance from all parties as the government seeks the release of the Thai hostages via multiple channels.