Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army held a ceremony to honor soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, inscribing their names on the Army Memorial Wall.
According to Thai News Agency, General Pana Klaewplodthuk, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, presided over the ceremony at the Royal Thai Army Headquarters. The event was attended by Lieutenant General Boonsin Phadklang, Commander of the Second Army Area, Lieutenant General Paiboon Phumpichet, Commander of the Royal Thai Army Air Defense Command, Lieutenant General Narongrit Khampee, Commander of the Special Warfare Command, senior Royal Thai Army commanders, commanders and heirs of the deceased, representatives of the War Veterans Organization, veterans, and Royal Thai Army personnel.
The ceremony took place in front of the Royal Thai Army Memorial Wall, which honors Army heroes who died defending Thailand in various battles. The event began with alms-giving to monks in dedication to the fallen soldiers. An honor guard was formed to pay respects, followed by a eulogy. General Klaewplodthuk placed a plaque with the names of the soldiers who died on the Thai-Cambodian border. A lone bugler played a salute, and a gun was fired to honor the fallen soldiers, followed by the laying of wreaths.
The names inscribed on the Army Memorial Wall included Sergeant Major Thawatchai Busapa, Sergeant Major Thirayut Sijuichai, Sergeant Major Anothai Pongkaew, Sergeant Major Apirom Songput, Sergeant Kritsada Noikrot, Sergeant Jira-yu Singh-on, Sergeant Jirayut Intuman, Sergeant Noppon Bunlert, Sergeant Ammarin Phasuk, Corporal Thophong Phanduang, Corporal Sarawut Namsawat, Corporal Woranchit Yuangsuwan, Private First Class Yanyapat Krotsakha, Private First Class Thirayut Krajangthong, Private First Class Phithuyut Soda, and Private First Class Sirawit Pinyosuk.
A religious ceremony for the deceased personnel was held at the Kittikachorn Auditorium, led by Phra Ratchawacharathammasophon (Sila Sirichanto, or Luang Pu Sila) of Wat Phra That Muen Hin, Kalasin Province. The ceremony included Buddhist chanting, offerings, and the presentation of financial assistance to the heirs of the deceased personnel. Attendees also watched a video honoring the deceased before General Klaewplodthuk presented financial assistance and souvenirs to the heirs, aiming to alleviate hardship and boost morale.
General Klaewplodthuk paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, emphasizing their dedication and sacrifice in protecting the nation's independence and sovereignty. He assured that the Royal Thai Army would take care of their families, ensuring their bravery and goodness would not be forgotten. A special lecture by Lieutenant General Boonsin Phadklang provided inspiration and advice to the Royal Thai Army personnel.