March 6, 2025
BANGKOK – Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa on Wednesday sought support from Qatar for the release of the sole Thai hostage in Gaza, while also expressing gratitude for the Gulf state’s mediation efforts.
During his visit to Doha, Maris met with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and conveyed Thailand’s appreciation for Qatar’s pivotal role in securing the release of five Thai nationals previously held hostage by Hamas.
Discussions also focused on securing assistance for the final Thai hostage still in captivity and facilitating the repatriation of the bodies of two deceased Thai citizens.
Qatar has played a vital role as a diplomatic intermediary since the onset of hostilities in Gaza on October 7, 2023, collaborating with the United States and Egypt to negotiate ceasefire agreements and facilitating the release of hostages. This process led to the release of 28 Thai hostages who have since returned home.
Beyond the urgent matter of the hostages, the two nations explored avenues for enhanced cooperation across three strategic areas.
Thailand offered to share its expertise in agricultural technology and food processing to bolster food security.
Discussions on energy transition centred on clean energy developments, while those on human security encompassed public health, education, and tourism initiatives.
The visit coincided with the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Qatar.
Maris invited Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the foreign minister, to officially visit Thailand and co-chair a Joint High Commission meeting to solidify these cooperation efforts.
Additionally, Maris signed a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic, official, and special passport holders between Thailand and Qatar, and exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East.