ISTANBUL Confirming the release of five Thai hostages in Gaza, Bangkok on Thursday expressed its “deep appreciation” to mediators over their efforts in securing its citizens held since October 2023 in the besieged Palestinian enclave. Thailand's Foreign Ministry said it received “confirmation from the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv that 5 (five) Thai hostages have been released today.” “They are now being transferred to hospital for medical treatment where officials from both the Embassy and