Thai troops retake villages; three soldiers killed in operation

Three Thai soldiers were killed during military operations to regain full control of Ban Nong Chan, in Khok Sung district of Sa Kaeo province, from Cambodian forces, according to Thailand’s First Army Region.

The three fallen soldiers were identified as Sgt Maj Pongsakorn Narkthongdee, Pvt Patiphat Sornpradit and Pvt Thiewtawan Pholyiem. All were attached to the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the 2nd Infantry Regiment of the Royal Guards.

Sgt Maj Pongsakorn Narkthongdee

Pvt Patiphat Sornpradit

Pvt Thiewtawan Pholyiem

The First Army Region expressed condolences to the families of the three soldiers and praised their sacrifice to protect the country. It also promised honourable funerals and full compensation for their families.

The army region announced that its troops had established full control over Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Khok Sung district, and Ban Klong Phaeng in Ta Phraya district, after driving the last pockets of Cambodian resistance from the three border villages.

However, Cambodian forces continue to fire at the three Thai villages with artillery, mortars and BM-21 rockets in an attempt to regain control.