IDF Recovers Body of Thai Hostage Pinta Nattapong in Rafah Operation

Yesterday, a joint IDF and Shin Bet operation in Rafah, Gaza, recovered the body of Pinta Nattapong, a Thai agricultural worker abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, by the Mujahideen Brigades, a Palestinian terrorist group. Nattapong, who came to Israel to support his wife, Narissara, and young son, Wirapat, was kidnapped alive but brutally murdered in captivity, the IDF confirmed. “Nattapong Pinta was abducted alive by terrorists of the Mujahideen terrorist organization and was murdered while in captivity by the murderous terrorist organization,” the IDF stated. The operation, guided by precise intelligence from a Shin Bet interrogation and the Hostages Task Force, marks a somber milestone in Israel’s efforts to bring closure to families of the 55 hostages still held in Gaza.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed deep sorrow: “Pinta Nattapong left his wife, Narissara, and their young son, Wirapat, in Thailand to work in agriculture in Israel, hoping to give them a better future and fulfill their dream of opening a family coffee shop in Thailand. But that dream was tragically cut short when Nattapong was cruelly murdered in captivity.” Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar informed Thai counterpart Maris Sangyampongsa, announcing plans for a ceremony at Ben Gurion Airport before Nattapong’s coffin is repatriated. “The State of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of Nattapong’s family and of the entire Thai people,” Herzog added.

The Mujahideen Brigades, also responsible for killing Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, as well as Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein, continue to hold another foreign national’s body. “The news of his murder is shocking, but the certainty provides us with some comfort,” said a Kibbutz Nir Oz spokesperson, noting Nattapong was the 14th hostage from their community killed in captivity. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged action: “Decision-makers must do everything necessary to reach an agreement that will bring back all 55 remaining hostages.” Israel vows to persist, with the IDF stating, “We will not rest or be silent until we return all of our hostages home, both the living and the dead.”