Kalasin, December 14th, 2025 – In a solemn ceremony filled with grief and national pride, Thailand paid tribute to Private Chanchai Phadungchok, a 22-year-old soldier who sacrificed his life defending the nation’s sovereignty during intense clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border.
The funeral rites for Private Chanchai, affectionately known as “Nong Smart,” were held at Wat Pho Chai Khok Yai temple in the Bua Ban sub-district of Kalasin province. Colonel Yutthana Mahawan, Deputy Commander of Military District 23, represented the district commander and led a delegation of officers and enlisted personnel in the proceedings.
The ceremony included the royal bathing rite with consecrated water, the reception of the body, and the laying of royal wreaths from His Majesty the King and other members of the royal family at the coffin. Suwat Khemthanphet, Governor of Kalasin province, presided over the event, joined by government officials, private sector representatives, community leaders, and the bereaved family.
Military District 23 organized an honor guard to receive the body with full military honors and stationed a guard of honor to watch over the remains, drawn from the district’s battalion. Additional personnel were deployed to support the funeral arrangements, with the royal cremation scheduled for December 15th, 2025.
Private Chanchai served as a rifleman in the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, and was positioned as a machine gunner in the 3rd Light Armored Infantry Company, 2nd Light Armored Infantry Battalion, Task Force 11. He lost his life in combat in the Bueng Takuan-Klong Phaeng area of Ta Phraya district, Sa Kaeo province, amid renewed hostilities that have claimed fifteen Thai soldiers since early December.
The soldier’s death is part of a broader escalation in the longstanding border dispute.
Photo credit Royal Thai Army
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
