October 7 · Personal story
Sonthaya Oakkhasri
Abducted
October 7, 2023
Abduction location
Kibbutz Be’eri
Current outcome
Returned for burial · October 18, 2025
Sonthaya’s remains were returned to Israel on October 18, 2025; his body was flown to Thailand on October 22.
01
Life before
Sonthaya “Mos” came from Village No. 3 in Ban Phrao, Mueang District, Nong Bua Lamphu, northeastern Thailand. He went to Israel for agricultural work, first working in the north for several years before moving south to Be’eri’s avocado orchards. His mother said family hardship was part of why he worked abroad and described him as frugal; in Israel he raised ducks and chickens and grew vegetables to save money. Sonthaya and his daughter Kaimook spoke by phone every day before they lost contact.
02
Abduction
On October 7, 2023, Sonthaya was killed during the attack at Kibbutz Be’eri. His body was taken to Gaza.
03
Body held in Gaza
Sonthaya was first believed to be among the living hostages. In May 2024, Israeli authorities informed his family that he had been killed on October 7; his body remained in Gaza until its return.
04
Return
His remains were returned from Gaza to Israel on October 18, 2025. Israeli authorities announced his identity after forensic identification on October 19. His body was flown to Thailand on October 22.
05
Aftermath
A funeral and cremation ceremony was held in Thailand on October 27. The family watched the airport ceremony in Bangkok by mobile livestream.