Major General Sompop Pharawech, Commander of the Suranaree Task Force, presided over the special royal promotion and decoration ceremony honoring the selfless heroism of Corporal Apisit Bunnak, who was posthumously promoted to Major after dying on the Phu Ma Khuea battlefield defending the nation’s sovereignty until his final moment.
Regarding developments on the Thai-Cambodian border on 27 January 2026, reporters reported that Major General Sompop Pharawech, Commander of the Suranaree Task Force, traveled by helicopter from the 6th Infantry Division helicopter field to the temporary helicopter field at Somsaat Pittayasan School in Kuchinarai District, Kalasin Province. He presided over a special royal promotion and decoration ceremony honoring the sacrifice of Corporal Apisit Bunnak, who was posthumously promoted to Major. Apisit’s home is at No. 173, Village 7, Somsaat Subdistrict, Kuchinarai District, Kalasin Province.
Major Apisit Bunnak died in the line of duty during the Thai-Cambodian border conflict near the Phu La O waterfall operation base at Phu Ma Khuea, Sisaket Province, amid the border crisis. Enemy forces launched heavy curved-trajectory artillery fire, resulting in Major Apisit being hit in the torso by shrapnel from an 8M-21 grenade, causing his death.
At the ceremony, commanders, government officials, the Kuchinarai District Chief, community leaders, Major Apisit Bunnak’s family, and local residents gathered to honor and pay respects to the spirit of the brave hero who stood firm in defending the nation’s sovereignty until his last breath. Receiving the royal promotion and decoration is the highest honor for the deceased and their family, symbolizing the profound sacrifice of Thai soldiers who dedicate themselves to peace and security of the country.
Mrs. Rawiwun Bunnak, 44, wife of Major Apisit, and Mrs. Lao Pakchamni, 55, his mother, said they felt deeply honored and joyful to receive this special royal promotion and decoration. They also expressed gratitude to the military for their ongoing coordination and support, ensuring that service members and their families are not abandoned.