It’s a simple business model: kidnap people on the high seas, hold them for ransom, collect ransom. But what if no one tries to get your hostages back?
After three years of no response from the Thai government, Somali pirates gave up and announced they will release four Thai hostages without ransom as they can no longer afford to feed them.
The pirates’ spokesman revealed yesterday they are ready to release the crew members of the Malaysian-flagged MV Albedo ship, which they hijacked three years ago near Somalia’s territorial waters.
After capturing the four Thai crew members and demanding ransom for their safe return, the Thai government apparently didn’t even return their calls, just turned a blind eye and refused to negotiate.
The only voices that have reached them, however, are the relatives of the hostages, begging for their release without condition.
The spokesman of the pirates said they could not afford to hold the hostages anymore and will release them as soon as possible.
He did not mention when the hostages will be released, where they are held or their health conditions, Somali Current reported.
Mr Moisture says
That's the Thai way – head in the sand and hope everything will go away …