Doctors confirm that the surgery to treat "Private Tokyo" has been completed successfully, with the major artery repaired. Initially, his condition is stable but he remains under close medical supervision and care.
On the evening of 26 Dec 2025 GMT+7, reports stated that Cambodia fired BM-21 rockets attacking Thai forces at Ban Nong Jan battlefield, resulting in three Thai soldiers killed and several wounded. Among them, 21-year-old Private Nithikorn Somtum, known as "Private Tokyo," was critically injured by shrapnel to his neck. His family prayed for a miracle after being initially informed he had died, but his heartbeat later returned. He responded to treatment and was undergoing surgery under medical supervision at Ananda Mahidol Hospital in Lopburi.
At 13:00 on 27 Dec 2025 GMT+7, a reporter contacted Col. Dr. Nopparat Rueangwongroj, Director of Surgery at Ananda Mahidol Hospital in Mueang Lopburi District. He confirmed that Private Nithikorn remains in the ICU. The surgery was completed successfully, and his condition is currently stable. Initially, Private Nithikorn was transferred from Prajak Silpakom Camp Hospital in Udon Thani by Army helicopter, arriving at Ananda Mahidol Hospital at about 21:00 on 26 Dec 2025 GMT+7.
Col. Dr. Nopparat stated that when Private Nithikorn was received, he still had a pulse. Examination revealed shrapnel embedded in the right side of his neck, causing a tear in the major artery, resulting in severe injury. If bleeding could not be stopped, it could be life-threatening. The family has been informed but has not yet appeared. Contact has been made with the soldier’s stepfather, who is reportedly traveling to visit him.
Asked why the First Army Region specifically sent Private Nithikorn to Ananda Mahidol Hospital, Col. Dr. Nopparat explained that the transfer follows Army protocols. Normally, patients from the First and Second Army Regions are sent to Phramongkutklao Hospital, but due to heavy patient load and busy duties there, Ananda Mahidol Hospital was chosen. It has sufficient capabilities, specialists, and modern medical equipment to provide care, and this also helps reduce the burden on other hospitals.
Col. Dr. Nopparat also addressed social media claims that the soldier died at the scene and was later revived, calling this a misunderstanding. The medical team was aware of his condition from Prajak Silpakom Camp Hospital and received updates throughout the transfer. Upon arrival, doctors confirmed he still had a pulse. Ananda Mahidol Hospital was fully prepared and took him immediately to surgery, successfully stopping the bleeding and treating the shrapnel wounds, repairing the major artery. Currently, Private Nithikorn is stable but remains under close medical supervision.