The family of “Sergeant Roeng” says they have come to terms somewhat and are ready to receive the body whenever possible after learning that Cambodian soldiers are using the body as bait. They do not want anyone to be lost just from trying to retrieve the body again, expressing concern for safety during the recovery.
On 19 Dec 2025 GMT+7, reporters reported that at a temple in Pangku Subdistrict, Prakhon Chai District—a site preparing for the funeral of Staff Sergeant Samroeng Khlangprakorn, 38, from Prakhon Chai District, Buriram Province, assigned to the 23rd Regiment, 3rd Battalion, who died in a clash along with Private Phanuphat Saosa, also from the 23rd Regiment, 3rd Battalion, on 16 Dec at Hill 350 near Ta Kwai Castle in Phanom Dong Rak Subdistrict, Surin Province—local residents and government agencies have continuously visited to offer support and condolences to the family, who have not yet received Sergeant Roeng’s body for return.
Ms. Chongko Khlangprakorn, 48, Sergeant Roeng’s elder sister, said that since learning of her brother’s death four days and three nights ago, the family has yet to receive his body for traditional merit-making. She admitted that initially the family felt disappointed that his body had not been returned like other soldiers who died. However, their feelings have changed after receiving nationwide encouragement and comfort, along with explanations from officials about the difficult process of retrieving the body because Cambodian soldiers fired back and used her brother’s body as bait to lure Thai soldiers. Now, the family has accepted the situation and believes their brother would want them to come to terms before his return, also wishing officials to operate with peace of mind.
Therefore, the family says the body can be returned whenever it is possible because they do not want anyone else to be lost due to attempts to recover the body. They send their support to the Thai soldiers, wishing them a swift victory, and say other matters can be addressed later.