Israel-Hamas War Updates Maps Photos Released Hostages’ Accounts Civilian Toll in Gaza Life Under Siege
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A Thai mother rejoices at learning her son is alive. Watsana Yojampa spoke to her son after he was released by Hamas. There are at least 18 Thai citizens still being held hostage in the Gaza Strip.
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Anucha Angkaew, working on an avocado farm in Israel, had earned enough to have a house built back home in Thailand. After he was kidnapped, his family feared he would never return to see it. Credit...Lauren DeCicca for The New York Times
By Sui-Lee Wee
Reporting from Bangkok
Nov. 26, 2023
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Watsana Yojampa had been waiting by the telephone for nearly two months, wondering whether she would get good news — or the worst possible message that a mother could hear.
Soon after the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack in southern Israel in which about 240 hostages were taken to Gaza, Ms. Watsana’s son, Anucha Angkaew, appeared in a photograph that circulated on social media showing him with three other men being held at gunpoint, hands behind their backs.
On Sunday at 4 a.m., Ms. Watsana got the phone call that she was waiting for. Her niece learned on X, the social media site, that Mr. Anucha, an avocado farmhand in Israel, had been released, and she called her aunt. Four hours later, Thai embassy officials confirmed the news to Ms. Watsana.
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A correction was made on Nov. 26, 2023
: An earlier version of this item misstated the location of the Oct. 7 attacks. They took place in southern Israel, not in the Gaza Strip.
When we learn of a mistake, we acknowledge it with a correction. If you spot an error, please let us know at nytnews@nytimes.com.Learn more
Sui-Lee Wee is the Southeast Asia bureau chief for The Times, overseeing coverage of 11 countries in the region. More about Sui-Lee Wee
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