Five Thai workers who were held hostage by the Islamic group Hamas in the Gaza Strip have returned to Thailand.

Hamas has been releasing hostages in phases under the terms of an agreement since a six-week ceasefire took effect on January 19.

The five Thai workers were taken hostage in October 2023. They were released late last month outside the framework of the agreement.

They were reunited with their families at an airport near Bangkok on Sunday morning.

One of them said he is very glad he could return safely, and is grateful to many people for supporting them.

The Thai government says none of the five former hostages has any health problems.

Forty-six Thai workers were killed in the attack by Hamas and the fighting that followed.

Twenty-eight Thai nationals have been released so far. The Thai government says one more remains in captivity, and is calling on relevant countries to secure the person's release.