Buriram: The mother of “Sergeant Rerng” wept with sorrow but also felt proud that her son had fulfilled his duty to protect Thai soil. The family of Sergeant Major Samroeng Klangprakhon, who sacrificed his life on Hill 350, is preparing for his funeral. His mother, tearfully, expressed her heartbreak but pride that her son fulfilled his duty to protect Thailand. Meanwhile, the mother of Private Phanupat was hospitalized after learning of her son’s death.
According to Thai News Agency, the Army Military Force Facebook page posted a video with the caption, “Clear video: Thai soldiers successfully reclaimed the Ta Kwai Temple area at close range. Look at this, Cambodia! Are they still going to say it’s AI?” This comes after Cambodia released fake news using AI to alter images to show soldiers lying dead at the temple, replacing the Thai flag with a Cambodian flag and attempting to remove the Gemini logo watermark. Yesterday, the army stated that the news was false. Today, they confirmed again with this clear close-up video that Thailand has reclaimed the Ta Kwai Temple area.
Tributes paid to two more brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives, bringing the total to 19. Yesterday, fierce clashes occurred in the Ta Kwai and Hill 350 areas. At 9:53 PM, the 2nd Army Area Facebook page reported that Thai forces continued their mission to control the area and prevent the enemy’s advance, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers: Sergeant Major Samroeng Klangprakon and Private Phanupat Sausasa, both from the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment (R.23 Bn.3). These are the 18th and 19th brave soldiers to sacrifice their lives in this Thai-Cambodian border battle.
Search intensifies for the bodies of two brave soldiers, vowing to bring them back today. Regarding the two brave soldiers who recently sacrificed their lives, reports indicate that their bodies have not yet been recovered. Major General Winthai Suvari, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, clarified that the clashes at Ta Kwai Temple and Hill 350 were an attack to control the objective at Hill 350. The Thai side launched the attack to pressure the Cambodian troops, but faced fierce resistance.
Upon withdrawal, two personnel were found missing. Due to unfavorable conditions, including limited visibility, challenging terrain, landmines, and resistance fire, an urgent search was not possible at that time. Therefore, they returned to plan a recovery operation for today, in which they will mobilize both ground and air searches to bring the missing personnel back.
The mother of “Sergeant Rerng” wept, feeling both sorrow and joy that her son had served the nation. At the home of the fallen soldier, Sergeant Major Samroeng Klangprakhon, or Sergeant Reng, in Pangku Subdistrict, Prakhon Chai District, Buriram Province, the family has begun setting up tents and preparing for the funeral. The atmosphere is filled with sadness, especially for his mother and sister, who are still struggling to cope with the loss of the family’s breadwinner.
Mrs. Aun Klangprakhon, 79, the mother of “Sergeant Rerng,” revealed tearfully that during the fighting, her son was worried about her safety and asked to stay at the temple, promising to return soon. She then received the devastating news of his passing. Although heartbroken, she is proud that her son fulfilled his duty as a soldier, protecting Thai soil.
Ms. Chongkho Klangprakhon, 48, the older sister of Sergeant Rerng, recounted that her brother volunteered to serve the nation in high-risk areas such as the South. Although he wasn’t sent as initially intended, he was proud to have fought on the border. The last time he called, he said, “I did it!” He had captured Ta Kwai Castle. The next target is Hill 350, and he must achieve it. She hopes this loss will be the last and prays for the safety of all personnel.
The mother of Private Phanupat was hospitalized in shock after learning of her son’s death. Another soldier who sacrificed his life was Private Phanupat Sausasa, from Sisaket Province. Reporters visited Private Phanupat’s mother and family at Wang Hin Hospital in Wang Hin District. After learning of her son’s death at Hill 350, his mother was in shock and had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment. Her condition is now stable.
Mrs. Pichsini Saosa, 41, mother of Private Phanupat, revealed that she has three children, with Private Phanupat being the eldest. He enlisted in the army at the age of 18. Normally, her son would call her almost every day, but this time he hadn’t contacted her for two days. The last time they spoke, he said he was transporting explosives to the front lines and that there would be heavy fighting soon. He always told her to prepare herself, that if something happened to him, she had to be strong. His dream was to be a soldier and continue his education to achieve a higher rank and position, and to become the pillar of support for his two younger siblings so they could get a good education. He had also told her that he wanted to fight to reclaim the Ta Kwai Castle for Thailand. She is proud that her son has fulfilled his promise to her.