Relief operation retrieves 19 rangers who were isolated in the Thai-Cambodian jungle border region
In the heat of the 2025 Thai-Cambodian border conflict, a significant event unfolded that has yet to be extensively covered in publicly available search results. The conflict, which escalated sharply in July around disputed temples such as Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom, resulted in artillery exchanges, air strikes, and significant civilian displacement.
However, the details of a daring rescue operation by the Third Army Aviation Battalion, which led to the safe recovery of 19 paramilitary rangers, remain largely undisclosed. The sources focusing on the broader conflict context provide little information about this specific operation.
The rangers had been missing for 137 hours, having gone missing during a patrol operation and becoming stranded in a dense forest along the Thai-Cambodian border. The Bell 212 helicopter of the Third Army Aviation Battalion, which is part of the Suranaree Task Force, conducted three flights to locate and extract the rangers. The last communication from the rangers was at 1am on July 23.
The rescued rangers were physically exhausted and had minor injuries, but they were found alive, a testament to the successful mission. The Third Aviation Battalion released video footage of the helicopter missions on Wednesday, offering a glimpse into the operation that has remained largely shrouded in mystery.
For those seeking verified specifics of this operation, consulting official military statements from Thailand’s Third Army or reputable defense news outlets covering this conflict would be advisable. The details of this daring rescue mission, while not widely reported, serve as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of the military personnel involved in maintaining peace and security during times of conflict.
Despite the intense focus on the 2025 Thai-Cambodian border conflict, details about a notable rescue operation have remained under the radar. The Third Army Aviation Battalion, deeply involved in this operation, successfully rescued 19 paramilitary rangers who had been missing for over three days during a patrol operation, in a daring mission that took place amid the broader conflict.
