Thai PM seeks Malaysia's help to secure release of hostages

BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has sought assistance from his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in securing the release of Thai citizens allegedly taken hostage by Hamas during the Palestine-Israel clashes.

Government spokesperson, Chai Watcharong said Srettha who is on his maiden two-day working visit to Malaysia from Wednesday raised the issue of the kidnapped Thais when he met with Anwar at the Prime Minister's office in Putrajaya.

"He sought help from Malaysia because of their good relations with the Palestinian side "The prime minister (Srettha) is concerned about the safety of the Thai hostages. It is a sensitive security matter. We will not disclose the details," he said in a statement.

On Wednesday, Thailand's Foreign Ministry said 14 Thais have been taken hostage since Oct 7. About 20 Thais were also feared killed in the clashes. Thailand also sought assistance from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar to facilitate negotiations for their release.

Local media reported that Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang said all the Thai hostages were safe. About 30,000 Thais work in Israel's agricultural sector.

-- BERNAMA