Solemn Farewell at Ben-Gurion Airport
A repatriation ceremony was held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Ben-Gurion Airport in Israel for Sudthisak Rinthalak, a Thai national who was murdered during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The ceremony preceded the return of his body to Thailand for burial, bringing an end to a more than two-year ordeal during which his remains were held in Gaza.
Officials and civilians gathered to bid farewell to Rinthalak, an agricultural worker who had come to Israel to provide for his family. The event underscored the deep sorrow shared by both nations.
Details of Rinthalak's Abduction and Death
Sudthisak Rinthalak, aged 42 or 43, was working at Kibbutz Be'eri when he was killed during the widespread Hamas assault on southern Israel. His body was subsequently taken into the Gaza Strip by Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
His death was officially determined on May 16, 2024. Rinthalak's remains were among those returned to Israel from Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement, with identification confirmed on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
Tributes and Official Statements
The ceremony saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Israel's hostage envoy Gal Hirsch, Thai Ambassador to Israel Boonyarit Vichienpuntu, and Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Alona Fisher-Kamm.
Gal Hirsch expressed profound sorrow, stating, 'It shouldn't have ended this way. We failed to protect you; it took too long to bring you back home.' He emphasized Israel's commitment to all hostages, declaring, 'For us, foreign hostages and Israeli hostages were the same. We are responsible for everyone.'
Ambassador Boonyarit Vichienpuntu highlighted Rinthalak's dedication to his family and thanked Israel for its efforts, noting the strong relationship between the two countries. Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm spoke of the 'strong bonds' and 'security alignment and friendship' between Israel and Thailand.
Context of Thai Hostages in the Conflict
Rinthalak was one of 39 Thai nationals killed during the October 7, 2023, attack. Thais constituted the largest group of foreign workers held captive. Of the 31 Thai hostages abducted, 28 were eventually returned alive, and three were confirmed dead.
Rinthalak's family, including his parents Thong Ma and Orn, and older brother Thepporn, watched the ceremony live from their home in Thailand, preparing for a Buddhist ceremony to bring peace to his spirit.
5 Comments
Fuerza
Hamas is solely responsible for this senseless murder and immense suffering.
Manolo Noriega
Such 'strong bonds' shouldn't come with such a high price for vulnerable workers.
Ongania
This solemn farewell is a painful reminder of the human cost of conflict, especially for those just trying to earn a living far from home. While the diplomatic gestures are appreciated, they can't erase the fundamental injustice of his death.
Manolo Noriega
The efforts to repatriate Rinthalak are commendable, yet the statement 'we failed to protect you' rings true and points to a systemic failure. This should prompt a deeper look into the safety of all foreign nationals working abroad.
Fuerza
It's good that his remains are finally home for burial, but it's a stark reminder of the immense risks foreign workers face in conflict zones. We need better global protections for these vulnerable individuals.