diff --git a/core/automation_engine.py b/core/automation_engine.py
index 424c445e..84b8ca51 100644
--- a/core/automation_engine.py
+++ b/core/automation_engine.py
@@ -997,7 +997,7 @@ class AutomationEngine:
         """Send message via Telegram Bot API."""
         bot_token = config.get('bot_token', '').strip()
         chat_id = config.get('chat_id', '').strip()
-        thread_id = str(config.get('thread_id', '')).strip()
+        thread_id = config.get('thread_id', '').strip()
         
         if not bot_token or not chat_id:
             raise ValueError("Bot token and chat ID are required for Telegram")