BUKIT KAYU HITAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said his Thai counterpart, Srettha Thavisin, thanked Malaysia for assistance in the safe release of Thai nationals held captive by Hamas.
Anwar said that Srettha expressed his gratitude during their bilateral meeting today at the Sadao Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex in southern Thailand.
"Prime Minister Srettha has expressed his appreciation to Malaysia for our help to secure the release of its hostages held by Hamas during the outbreak of the recent Palestine-Israel conflict.
"I told him we have tried our best to help but it was the wisdom of Hamas, with the help of Mesir for opening their border that secured the safe release of the Thai nationals," Anwar said in a press conference at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) Complex here today.
Today, Thai media reported that three more hostages from the country were released by Hamas, bringing the total number to 17 since the hostage exchanges between Hamas and Israel began two days ago.
Earlier, Anwar had a one-day working visit to Thailand today to discuss bilateral cooperation with his counterpart, under the invitation of Sretta.