October 7 · Personal story
Surasak Lamnau
Abducted
October 7, 2023
Abduction location
Israel
Current outcome
Released alive · January 30, 2025
Released from Gaza with four Thai workers
01
Life before
Surasak, whom his family called Tan, came from Ban Phueng village, Na Mai subdistrict, Ban Dung district, Udon Thani. He travelled to Israel for agricultural work and lived in Moshav Yesha. His mother earned money sewing clothes at home.
02
Abduction
Surasak was taken during the 7 October 2023 attack while working in Israel. A year later, his mother was still waiting for news and praying for his return.
03
Captivity
At first, Surasak was listed as missing. His mother sought news through people who knew him and his coworkers. After Santi Boonphrom was released, he confirmed to the authorities that Surasak had been taken hostage. By October 2024, his family had received Israeli financial assistance and used it to repair their home and prepare for his return. After his release, his mother told Reuters that he had described eating mostly bread, receiving three meals a day, and being allowed to shower.
04
Return
Thai officials named Surasak among the five workers released on 30 January 2025. After medical care in Israel, he returned to Thailand with the other men on 9 February. His mother and relatives welcomed him home in Udon Thani.
05
Aftermath
Surasak’s mother said he did not plan to return to agricultural work in Israel; he wanted to use the knowledge he had gained there at home. His grandparents and other relatives came to welcome him. His stepfather said he could not find words for his happiness that his son was safe and home.