Villagers along with soldiers in the Chong An Ma area of Ubon Ratchathani province joined in almsgiving and merit-making on "Veterans Day" to dedicate merit to the brave heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect Thailand.
At 07:00 on 3 Feb 2026 GMT+7, at Wat Phu Phlan Pa Pang, villagers and soldiers from the Chong An Ma operational base in Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province, jointly made merit by offering alms, Sangha Dana (offerings to monks), and funeral cloth. This was to dedicate merit to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives on the battlefield, both past and present, in observance of Veterans Day, which falls annually on 3 February.
Lieutenant Colonel Jirapong Jaronram, commander of the 14th Infantry Battalion, stated that this merit-making on Veterans Day continues a tradition since he began serving in Chong An Ma. He and his troops have regularly made merit together with local residents in the area.
He added that today's merit-making was intended to remind his troops of the heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect the nation. It also reaffirmed that the soldiers currently serving are committed to carrying out their duties for the country. Regarding morale, he said every soldier is fully motivated after enduring battles. Since they have secured their positions, their morale is at 100%, and they are determined to protect the area to the best of their ability.
He said if the brave heroes were present today, he would tell them that he and his troops always remember them. If given a chance to speak, he would thank them sincerely. Though they are all soldiers, he appreciates what those heroes did: first, defending the nation; second, supporting their fellow servicemen. He emphasized his heartfelt gratitude and said the determination of those heroes to protect Thailand’s democracy motivates them to continue fulfilling their duties to meet those expectations.
He urged the public to have confidence in the Royal Thai Armed Forces and trust the soldiers to protect the people and Thailand’s sovereignty for a long time to come.