In the quiet villages of northeastern Thailand, five families are clinging to hope. After 15 long months, their loved ones, taken as hostages in Gaza, may finally be coming home. The Thai foreign ministry has shared that five Thai nationals are set to be released, though neither Israel nor Hamas has confirmed the names.

Wiwwaeo Sriaoun, the mother of hostage Watchara Sriaoun, shared her mixed emotions. “We are happy but also anxious waiting for the names to come out,” she said. Like thousands of Thai workers who once labored in Israel’s fields, Watchara had been used to working in challenging conditions, but nothing could have prepared him for this ordeal.

The Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas saw at least 39 Thai workers killed and 31 taken hostage. Two of those hostages have since died in captivity, while 23 were released during a cease-fire in November 2023. Now, these five families are holding their breath, hoping their names are on the list.

Vilas Thanna, father of another hostage, Pongsak Thanna, couldn’t contain his excitement. “I am very super duper happy, so excited,” he said. His family gathered in Buriram, eagerly awaiting news. Yet, uncertainty remains about the sixth Thai hostage, with conflicting reports about his fate.

Despite the risks, some Thai workers have returned to Israel’s fields, even after surviving the horrors of the attacks. Tragically, more lives have been lost in recent months due to rocket attacks and unexploded ordnance.

As the world watches, these families in Thailand continue their vigil, praying for a reunion that’s been 15 months in the making.