The family wept as they awaited the body of Private "Esso" Wasan Khanhuaton, who sacrificed his life on the Sam Tae battlefield. Residents of Udonthani stood in lines waving flags to mourn and pay tribute to the brave soldier.
At 1:00 p.m. on 19 December 2025 GMT+7, in the reception room of the 24th Military Circle at Prajak Silpakom Camp, Udonthani province, Colonel Suthet Polyares, Deputy Commander of the 24th Military Circle, invited Ms. Thongkan Wichaivong, 40, and Mrs. Pun Wichaivong, 66, mother and grandmother of Private Wasan Khanhuaton, or Esso, age 22, from the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, Chaophraya Surawongwatthanasak Camp, Udonthani province, along with relatives, to the reception room to await the body of Private Wasan, a heroic soldier who died on the Sam Tae battlefield in Kantharalak district, Sisaket province. He was wounded by a gunshot that struck his back, was taken to a field hospital, and later died on 17 December 2025 GMT+7.
Colonel Suthet Polyares, Deputy Commander of the 24th Military Circle, expressed condolences to Private Esso's family for the loss of their beloved son. He said this sacrifice is a soldier's honor, demonstrating courage as a private serving the nation. Though losses in battle vary, they are sacrifices made to protect the nation's sovereignty and land for future generations. This is a battlefield honor unique to soldiers, incomparable to politicians. He then presented a photograph of Private Esso to the family.
After receiving words of encouragement and the photo of Private Esso, Ms. Thongkan and Mrs. Pun, his mother and grandmother, embraced the picture and gently touched the soldier's face, weeping deeply. Ms. Thongkan said she feels sorrow but also great pride. Since her son's passing, he has not appeared in her dreams. Mrs. Pun, Esso's grandmother, was speechless and lowered her head, crying.
At 2:30 p.m., the Humvee from the 24th Military Circle returning with Private Esso's body arrived in front of the 24th Military Circle headquarters building. Mr. Rachan Sunhua, Governor of Udonthani province, Colonel Suthet Polyares, Deputy Commander of the 24th Military Circle, military personnel, police, government officials, civil servants, local administration representatives, the Udonthani Veterans Club, and Udonthani citizens formed a line to welcome the hero's body. Ms. Thongkan, Mrs. Pun, and relatives who came to receive the body wept. At the camp entrance, citizens stood waving national flags to welcome the hero home and encourage Thai soldiers to continue their fight to reclaim Thai land.
Then, Colonel Suthet Polyares, Deputy Commander of the 24th Military Circle, lit incense and candles and performed the cloth offering ceremony, presided over by the abbot of Yothanimitt Temple. Afterwards, the honor guard sounded a bugle call to salute the bravery of the soldier who gave his life for the nation on the battlefield. The funeral procession carried the hero's body to Thung Sawang Temple in Ban Tuem, Khuean Nam subdistrict, Ban Phue district, Udonthani province. New conscripts lined up to pay respects to the brave soldier as the procession departed from the 24th Military Circle, turned left onto Thahan Road, passed through the heart of Udonthani city, and continued to the Nong Khai bypass exit. Along the route, citizens stood in lines waving flags to mourn and honor the brave soldier, especially at the roundabout with the monument of Major General Phra Chao Borom Wong Thoe Krom Luang Prajak Silpakom, the founder of Udonthani city. Many people were moved to tears with grief.