Army Commander Leads Funeral Rites for Colonel Phikharat in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai: The Army Commander presided over the funeral rites of Lt. Col. Phikharat Suriya and provided financial assistance to support the bereaved family. According to Thai News Agency, on the evening of April 21, 2015, General Pana Klaewplodthuk, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army and Director of the Royal Thai Army Volunteer Project Coordination Center, led the second night of funeral rites at Wat San Sai Ton Kok in Fa Ham Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Province. The ceremonies began with a royal bathing and wreath-inviting ceremony on April 20, 2015, where His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen graciously bestowed a royal wreath in honor of Colonel Phikharat Suriya and his family. During the funeral, the Commander-in-Chief met with the family, offering words of encouragement and financial support, including compensation, salary, and funeral expenses from the Royal Thai Army. Additional assistance totaling approximately 2,066,942 baht was provided, covering inherita nce benefits, special assistance, and insurance for a motorcycle accident from Thanachart Bank Public Company Limited. Local army units, including the 11th Army Region, 33rd Army Region, and 7th Infantry Division, were tasked with assisting the family with funeral arrangements, which were set to take place from April 20-23, 2025, with a royal cremation ceremony on April 24, 2025. Colonel Phikharat Suriya was renowned as a role model among army officers, excelling in his missions and embodying the royal intentions of His Majesty the King as a volunteer soldier for the people and the country. Tragically, he died in a motorcycle accident on April 18, 2015, while en route to a meeting at the 1st Army Area Forward Operations Center in Chatuchak. His passing has left a significant void in the army and among his family, prompting the army to consider special rewards to honor his service and dedication.