October 7 · Personal story
Santi Boonphrom
Abducted
October 7, 2023
Abduction location
Moshav Mishtakim, as described by his sister
Current outcome
Released alive · November 24, 2023
Released alive with the Thai workers named in the Ministry list.
01
Before October 7
Santi had worked as an ice-delivery driver in Thailand, earning about 400 baht a day while supporting his wife, son and parents. His sister Sunee said he went to Israel as an agricultural worker to build a more secure future. He hoped to build a new family home and save for land where they could farm; after first planning a four-year stay, he extended it to six years.
02
Abduction
Santi was working in agriculture in Israel when the October 7 attack began. His sister Sunee recalled their last family call that morning and losing contact around noon. A friend told the family that he had seen Santi being taken.
03
Captivity
For nearly seven weeks, Santi’s family had no direct contact with him. His sister Sunee recalled that before October 7 he reassured them when they heard fighting and rocket fire: “Don’t worry.” His wife said the family learned on November 10 that he had been taken hostage, easing their fear for his life.
04
Return
Santi was reported among the first ten Thai hostages released in November 2023. His family was told he was receiving medical checks before travel back to Thailand.
05
After return
While Santi was receiving medical checks in Israel before his journey home, his wife planned to welcome him with foods he liked, including canned-fish pad kra pao and crab stew. She said the family would farm together after his return and that she did not want him to take another overseas job.