The mother was shocked and sent to the hospital after learning that Private Phanuphat Saorsa sacrificed his life at Hill 350. She revealed her son's words that he wanted to fight to reclaim Ta Kwai Castle for the Thai people and had told her that if anything happened to him, she must stay strong.
On 17 Dec 2025 GMT+7, reporters reported that during a clash at the Thai-Cambodian border near Hill 350, close to Ta Kwai Castle in Surin province, two Thai soldiers lost their lives on 16 Dec 2025 GMT+7: Staff Sergeant Roeng Khlangprakon and Private Phanuphat Saorsa from the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment (R.23 Bn.3).
Reporters recently visited the mother and family of Private Phanuphat at Wang Hin Hospital. After learning that her son had died at Hill 350, the mother went into shock and was urgently admitted to the hospital. She is now in stable condition.
Mrs. Phitchsinee Saorsa, 41, the mother of Private Phanuphat, revealed she has three children, with Phanuphat being the eldest son. He enlisted online at age 18. He usually called his mother almost every day, but this time he was out of contact for two days. The last time they spoke, he said heavy fighting was about to happen and often told her to prepare herself emotionally, saying that if anything happened to him, she must be strong.
Private Phanuphat's dream was to be a soldier and continue his studies to rise in rank. He hoped to be a pillar supporting his two younger siblings to complete higher education. When he was in grade 8, he was bullied and had to leave school, later studying through the non-formal education system (G.E.N.). With a desire to gain rank and become a non-commissioned officer, his mother encouraged him to enlist online.
Private Phanuphat was a good-natured person who cared for his family and siblings and never had conflicts with anyone. Less than a month before his death from a bomb explosion, he dreamed and told his mother about an elderly figure in the house who came to him, asking for respect and telling him to return home. In the dream, he replied that he could not return because he was still serving the nation.
Private Phanuphat told his mother he wanted to fight to reclaim Ta Kwai Castle for Thailand. She felt his dreams were ominous but did not dare tell him. She only said that if he ever wanted to come home, he could always tell her. He replied, “I can’t, mother. I love my country. I will fight and battle for the nation. If I die, I want to die with pride.” Now, her son has truly sacrificed his life for the country, and she is proud he fulfilled his promise. He also instructed her to eat well, take medicine, and rest so she would have strength to make merit for him.
Miss Suchawadee Intawong, 15, younger sister of Private Phanuphat, revealed that the last time her brother came home after finishing his first combat mission, he invited the family on a trip. He said that if another war broke out and he died from a bomb, he would not return to see the family or sit and talk again.
Through tears, the sister said she loved her brother very much. He enlisted as a soldier and worked hard to support his siblings’ education to a higher level. She feels very proud of him and now, after losing him, she wishes she could have him back once more.