Renewed border tensions deepen as death toll of Thai soldiers climbs

Three more Thai soldiers have been killed while on duty protecting Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during cross-border clashes with Cambodian troops, bringing the death toll to eight.

Sergeant Major Ananda Udon, attached to the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, stationed in the Phu Makua area of Si Sa Ket province, succumbed to his injuries on December 10.

He had been wounded by shrapnel from an explosion during renewed fighting on December 9th and was being treated at Vee Rawat Yothin Military Hospital before he passed away.

Just two days before his death, Ananda posted on his personal Facebook page, saying “I promise I will return safely to my family. #ClashRound2.” He later wrote: “Defending sovereignty is a red line no one can cross.”

His final post read: “The sky is raging… thunder roaring for the second day. #ClashRound2”

Before his death, Ananda was known to care for stray dogs at his base. One dog, well known among social media users, is named ‘Mali’ and often featured in photos he posted on Facebook. After his passing, fellow soldiers shared a video clip holding Mali, saying, “Phi Ananda, don’t worry, we will take care of Mali.”

The seventh fallen soldier was Private Thanarat Janprathat, who was killed while guarding a Stryker armoured vehicle. Thanarat served under the 1st Army Area with the 11th Infantry Division as a rifleman with the 112th Infantry Regiment.

He was seriously wounded when a Cambodian mortar round landed near him at the Bueng Takuan checkpoint in Ta Phraya district, Sa Kaeo province. He was rushed to the Chakraphong Military Hospital, but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

Private Chanchai Phadungchok’, 22, from Yang Talat district in Kalasin province, became the latest casualty. He served as a machine gunner with the 112th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion.

Chanchai was killed on the battlefield in the Bueng Takuan–Ban Khlong Phaeng area, when a Cambodian mortar round struck his unit’s position in Sa Kaeo province.