Thailand’s foreign minister has begun an urgent visit to Qatar and Egypt for talks on the fate of 22 Thais taken hostage by Hamas from Israel.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has said that his government is working hard to get Thai citizens home.

He has dispatched Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara to meet the Qatari prime minister and foreign minister, before talks with the Egyptian foreign minister tomorrow.

Parnpree will “discuss the situation of Thai nationals being held hostage as a result of the ongoing violence in Israel and Gaza”, the ministry said in a statement.