Sergeant Major Prachaya recounted the moment a bullet from the Cambodian side struck near Hill 469. He quickly jumped into a bunker and later realized his arm had been hit by shrapnel. He now has a fractured arm bone and must wear a soft cast.
In the incident where a Thai soldier was injured by gunfire from the Cambodian side near Hill 469 on the morning of 6 Jan 2026, one soldier—Sergeant Major Prachaya Pilachai, squad leader of the 1st Anti-Tank Squad, Company 6021—was wounded by shrapnel in his right arm. His condition was not severe, as previously reported.Read more: Cambodia violates ceasefire, shells Chong Bok area, Hill 469; one Thai soldier injured.)
As of 7 Jan 2026, Sergeant Major Prachaya appeared in good spirits with excellent morale. Doctors successfully removed the shrapnel from the bullet wound. X-rays revealed a minor fracture in his arm bone, which is not serious. He is expected to be discharged soon but will need to rest and avoid overusing the injured arm.
Sergeant Major Prachaya revealed the moment of the incident: following a ceasefire, the area had been quiet until that morning when he and fellow soldiers were having breakfast. Suddenly, an explosion occurred atop a bamboo thicket, prompting them to quickly take cover in a bunker.
He added that after entering the bunker, he felt pain in his right arm. Looking down, he saw shrapnel embedded in his arm and reported it to his superiors. He was then sent for medical treatment. The doctors have removed the shrapnel but left the wound open. Further examination showed a slight fracture in the arm bone, and it is expected he will be able to return to work within a few days.
He also urged fellow soldiers not to trust the Cambodians and to take good care of themselves. Once fully recovered, he plans to return to his post at Hill 469 as before.