The remains of Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak have been returned to Israel following confirmation from Israeli authorities that the body recovered from the Gaza Strip belonged to him. Rinthalak was killed during the attacks led by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and his body had been held by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization since then.
Israeli officials notified Rinthalak’s family about the arrangements to return his remains to Thailand for burial, which will be coordinated with the Thai Embassy in Israel. In a statement, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences, stating, “The Israeli government shares the deep sorrow of the Rinthalak family, the Thai people and all the families of the slain abductees.”
The statement further emphasized that the Israeli government remains dedicated to securing the release of the last remaining hostage in Gaza, Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, an officer with the Israel Police counterterror unit. “The Hamas terrorist organization is required to fulfill its obligations to the mediators and return him as part of the ceasefire agreement’s implementation,” the Prime Minister’s office added.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Rinthalak was abducted from the orchards of Kibbutz Be’eri, where he worked in agriculture. He was 42 years old at the time of his death, which was officially confirmed on May 16, 2024. Rinthalak is survived by his parents and a brother.
In its statement, the IDF expressed its deep condolences to the families affected by the ongoing conflict. The military confirmed that it continues to make every effort to secure the return of the remaining deceased hostages and is prepared to uphold the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
The return of Rinthalak’s remains marks a significant moment for his family and the Thai community. As the situation in the region remains tense, Israeli authorities continue to work towards the safe return of all hostages taken during the attacks.
