Valiant Standoff at Ta Kwai: 31st Infantry Regiment safeguards Thai territory in the closing seconds
In the tense standoff between Thailand and Cambodia in July 2025, the 31st Infantry Regiment, a premier combat unit of the Royal Thai Army, played a pivotal role in defending Thai territory at the strategic Ta Kwai temple.
Based in Lopburi Province, this elite regiment, part of the Royal Thai Army's King's Guard units, is renowned for its rapid deployment capabilities and high-speed, high-risk operations. On July 28, 2025, as tensions peaked, the 31st Infantry Regiment was called upon to defend against an incursion by Cambodia's elite Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ) troops at Ta Kwai temple.
The hours between the announcement and the ceasefire deadline became a critical window for both militaries to attempt territorial gains. Despite facing heavy fire, minefields, and superior Cambodian artillery and troop concentrations, the 31st Regiment held the line. In a last-minute assault, they stormed out of their bunkers just five minutes before the ceasefire came into effect and successfully reclaimed the contested temple site.
Their actions demonstrated exceptional military discipline and resolve, preventing Cambodian forces from gaining a foothold in strategic territory. The 31st Infantry Regiment operates under the 1st Infantry Division (King's Guard) and is tasked with missions that often fall under classified conditions. Their motto, "Better to die than live as a slave," echoed through the battlefield as they launched their final charge.
The 31st Infantry Regiment's bravery and operational effectiveness during the Ta Kwai temple conflict reinforced its reputation as a key pillar in Thailand’s national defense and a critical unit in complex border disputes. Their defense of Thailand’s sovereignty at a historically sensitive site not only influenced the immediate military outcome but also resonated strongly in national pride and military legacy narratives.
The ceasefire negotiations, held in Malaysia, had resulted in a midnight deadline on July 28, 2025, for both sides to halt hostilities. However, the 31st Infantry Regiment's final push at Ta Kwai temple became a symbol of Thailand’s sovereign claim and national honor. The conflict serves as a testament to the regiment's unwavering commitment to the protection of their nation.
Meanwhile, F-16 fighter jets were dispatched to destroy Cambodian artillery positions and supply routes, providing crucial support to the ground forces. The 31st Infantry Regiment's operations range from national defense, internal security, to royal protection, making them an indispensable part of Thailand's national defense apparatus.
The Ta Kwai temple conflict will undoubtedly go down in history as a significant event, with the 31st Infantry Regiment's final push at the temple becoming an act of defiance and patriotism that now defines their legacy.
Due to the escalating political tension between Thailand and Cambodia in July 2025, the health of the citizens near the strategic Ta Kwai temple was under constant threat. During this time, the bravery exhibited by the 31st Infantry Regiment in their sports-like high-speed, high-risk operations showcased their dedication to both the protection of the nation's health and preservation of its sovereignty.
The success of the 31st Infantry Regiment in their strategic defense of Ta Kwai temple not only marked a victory in the ongoing political dispute but also highlighted their crucial role in maintaining the balance between Thailand's sports, health, and political climate.
