Thirteen frontline soldiers took part in an ordination ceremony in front of "Prasat Ta Kwai," dedicating merit to 42 heroic comrades who sacrificed their lives defending Thailand.
On 17 January 2026 GMT+7, reporters described the atmosphere at the Surin province border area. That morning, military personnel, accompanied by Luang Ta San, the abbot of Wat Pa Khao To in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin, traveled to Prasat Ta Kwai to conduct an ordination ceremony for 13 frontline soldiers. This was dedicated to the brave comrades who died defending Thai territory—42 soldiers lost during two rounds of border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.
The Buddhist teacher, military officials, and the battalion commander responsible for the area jointly conducted the first part of the ceremony near the Great Buddha statue, located along the lower walkway of Prasat Ta Kwai. This area had previously been subjected to bombings and heavy weapons attacks by the Cambodian side.
Afterward, the Buddhist teacher and the frontline soldiers to be ordained proceeded to the front of the Prasat Ta Kwai structure to perform the Buddhist ordination ceremony. Lieutenant Colonel Ekaphot Namthaworn, commander of the 26th Infantry Battalion, and Lieutenant Commander Phrommin Chu Jai, deputy commander of the 22nd Infantry Battalion, officiated. This ordination ceremony was the first of its kind, beyond the usual merit-making or dedicatory acts for the fallen soldiers.
