The sister of Sergeant Major Samrueng Khlangprakorn, a soldier who sacrificed his life, revealed her brother's proud final words: "I have succeeded" in capturing Ta Kwaai Castle before sacrificing himself at Hill 350, recounting that the real battlefield was more brutal than reported in the news.
On 17 Dec 2025 GMT+7, amid ongoing clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, it was confirmed at 21:02 on 16 Dec 2025 GMT+7 that two more Thai soldiers died in combat at Hill 350 during fierce fighting with Cambodian forces while reclaiming Thai sovereign territory. The soldiers were identified as Sergeant Major Samrueng Khlangprakorn and Private Phanuphat Sao-sa from Regiment 23/3. Their bodies could not yet be retrieved due to ongoing combat, raising the total Thai military fatalities in this border unrest to 19.
A reporter visited the home of Sergeant Major Samrueng Khlangprakorn, a brave soldier from Prakhon Chai District, Buriram Province, where the family had begun setting up tents to prepare for his funeral. The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow, especially for his mother and sister, who were still struggling to accept the loss of the family’s pillar.
Mrs. Un Khlangprakorn, 79, mother of Sergeant Major Samrueng, or “Sergeant Sa-rueng,” tearfully shared that during the fighting, her son was concerned for her safety and asked her to stay at the temple, promising he would return soon. However, as the battle prolonged and intensified, she received the tragic news of his passing.
: Despite her broken heart, the mother spoke with pride, saying,
“I am deeply saddened but proud that my son fulfilled his duty as a soldier to protect Thailand’s land, even in his final moments.”
Ms. Chongko Khlangprakorn, 48, Sergeant Sa-rueng’s sister, said her brother volunteered to become a soldier and was not conscripted. He intended to serve in high-risk areas like the South. Though he was not deployed as initially hoped, he was proud to fight along this border. The last time her brother called, he said, “I have succeeded.”
He had secured Ta Kwaai Castle and said the next target was Hill 350, which he was determined to take. He also told her the real combat was harsher than what was shown on TV but that he was not afraid and would do his best. She said this was the fullest expression of his duty, and through tears, she wished this loss to be the last. "I don’t want any more deaths. Losses like this cannot be compensated. The family’s mental state is very fragile. I hope all officers stay safe and get through this," said Ms. Chongko.