Frontline soldiers raised the Thai national flag to wave over "Chong Ray" in Kabchoeng District, Surin Province, after completing a joint combat mission to defend the nation, shouting the national anthem to establish sovereignty over Hill 284.
On 29 December 2025 GMT+7, reporters noted that although the border situation remains calm under the Thai-Cambodian ceasefire agreement, Thai troops have begun establishing strongholds at several sovereign areas.
One such site where the Thai national flag was recently raised to symbolize Thai sovereignty is "Chong Ray" or "Hill 284," located in Kabchoeng District, Surin Province. This border area lies roughly midway between Chong Jom and Prasat Khna.
This point has been manned by the 26th Ranger Battalion and supporting military units including artillery, cavalry, special forces, and infantry during joint combat operations. During intense clashes, Cambodian forces heavily attacked this location, firing over 100 BM-21 rockets.
At 8:00 a.m., Colonel Kittisak Bangpimai, commander of the 26th Ranger Task Force, led the soldiers stationed there in taking an oath. He said, "We have performed our duties to the best of our abilities. On the day we prepared for drills, everyone was committed for the Thai people and the Thai land. This is also for our fellow soldiers who fought alongside us for safety and success. I hope everyone will cherish and remember the days we fought together. Though we may go separate ways, this event will remain in our hearts as a historic moment."
Afterwards, all joined in singing the Thai national anthem loudly as the flag waved atop the pole. The pole bore the names of all the units that participated in the mission, demonstrating their protection of Thai sovereign territory.
