Monarch allows for state burials in honor of the five deceased Thai military personnel
In the aftermath of the intense border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in August 2021, five Thai soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice have been honored with royal cremation ceremonies across various provinces.
The border disputes between the two nations, rooted in maps drawn during French colonial rule over Cambodia, escalated around an ancient temple area called Prasat Ta Muen Thom. The conflict began near this contested site, with fighting starting after a land mine explosion injured Thai soldiers, escalating to exchanges of gunfire and heavy weaponry.
Nationalist sentiments and heated rhetoric on both sides heightened tensions, with political leaders contributing to escalation rather than de-escalation. The initial trigger, involving gunfire and resulting in casualties, happened on May 28, but the precise instigator remains unclear.
Despite the ceasefire agreements and talks brokered by Malaysia and involving ASEAN observers, numerous casualties were reported, and thousands were displaced on both sides.
Among those honored with royal cremations were Sgt Amarin Phasuk, posthumously promoted to the rank of major, and Pvt Teerayut Sijujai, promoted to the rank of major general.
Amarin, a sniper with the 23rd Infantry Regiment, was killed on July 28 near Ta Muen temple in Surin province. His royal cremation was led by Gen Nopanant Chanpradap, Special Advisor to the Army, at Wat Burapharam in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani.
Teerayut, deputy platoon commander with the 13th Infantry Regiment, was killed in action at Chong Sai Taku, Ban Kruat district, Buri Ram province, on July 29. His royal cremation was presided over by Gen Thongchai Rodyoi at Wat Ban Yang Pong Sadao in Lahan Sai district, Buri Ram.
Two other soldiers, Pvt Sirawit Pinyosuk and Pvt Teerayut Krajongthong, also received royal cremations. Sirawit, a rifleman with the 8th Infantry Regiment, was killed during operations near Ta Muen temple on July 28. His royal cremation was overseen by Gen Ekkarat Changkaew at Wat Sai Thong in Si Chomphu district, Khon Kaen province. Teerayut, an air defence gunner with the 2nd Battalion of the 2nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, was killed in action at Chong Sai Taku on July 29. His royal cremation was held at Wat Suriyo (Kam Maet) in Kut Chum district, Yasothon province.
Cpl Torpong Panduang, a clerk with the 16th Infantry Regiment, was killed on July 29 at Chong Sai Taku. His royal cremation was held at Wat Suriyo (Kam Maet) in Kut Chum district, Yasothon province.
His Majesty the King has graciously extended royal patronage for the funeral rites and cremations of these 15 soldiers who died while defending Thai sovereignty along the Cambodian border. The families of the fallen soldiers received various compensation packages, with amounts ranging from 2,083,750 baht to 3,569,461 baht.
The Royal Thai Army expressed its deepest respect for the fallen soldiers, stating their names will forever be etched in the hearts of the Thai people.
Politics surrounding the border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia have been a general news topic, with war-and-conflicts intensifying due to the escalation of violence near the contested site of Prasat Ta Muen Thom. The crime-and-justice system has also been involved, as the initial trigger for the conflict remained unclear despite numerous casualties and displaced people on both sides.
