Mr Pongsak never lost hope, believing that one day someone would come to rescue him. Throughout his captivity, he constantly thought about his family, especially his daughter. His greatest source of strength was the desire to see his 15-year-old daughter, whom he had not seen in over seven years — since she was just seven years old.

The five hostages were among the 31 Thai agricultural workers who were captured by Hamas from four farms close to the Gaza border. Earlier, 23 hostages were released and two, Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, were confirmed dead in May of last year.