The grandfather of Nong Namkhong, a victim who died when a BM-21 rocket struck their home, expressed thanks to the group of artists who painted images reflecting the loss caused by Cambodia's actions. These artworks have been shared with the world, along with encouragement for frontline soldiers carrying out their duty to protect sovereignty.
On 22 Jul 2025 GMT+7, Mr. Suthee Boontang, 60, and Mrs. Saton Kanpai, 63, grandfather and grandmother of 8-year-old Thitiwat Boontang, known as Nong Namkhong—the victim of a BM-21 rocket fired by Cambodia that struck their home causing his death during the Thai-Cambodian border clash—expressed gratitude to a patriotic Thai artist group. This group, an artistic response task force, painted images of 46 heroic soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending Thailand on the classroom walls, restrooms, and water tanks at Ban Thai Santisuk School, Bakdai Subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province.
The paintings honor and exalt the heroic deeds of the fallen soldiers, and include a poignant image widely circulated in news and social media: Mrs. Saton crying on a pickup truck while holding her grandson Nong Namkhong drenched in blood as he was rushed to hospital after the BM-21 rocket fired by Cambodian troops struck their home. The attack resulted in two deaths: Nong Namkhong and Mr. Bundit Unjit. This work aims to highlight the brutality and inhumanity of the Cambodian soldiers and leadership, reflecting real events. The painting project began on 16 Jan 2026 GMT+7.
Mr. Suthee Boontang, 60, Nong Namkhong’s grandfather, said, "I thank all the artists who contributed to these paintings that reveal to the world the cruelty inflicted by Hun Sen and Cambodia on our family. Thanks to the artists, officials involved, and intermediaries who helped present this. I also thank every frontline soldier who helped defend our land, restoring nearly 100% of control at every point. I wish for everyone’s safety, including those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. May they rest in a good afterlife. They did their best to protect Thailand’s sovereignty. I offer my condolences to the families of the fallen heroes."
Regarding the border situation, although it remains uncertain whether further conflict will occur, preparations continue as trust is limited. During the second clash, bunkers were built to provide protection. Even though no bombs have fallen in the area recently, having the bunker offers reassurance. Both he and his wife admit that seeing the image of her hugging Nong Namkhong still moves them deeply; she still sheds tears but is willing to have the artists paint it to share the story with the world.
As of today, over 85% of the paintings are complete. Only the detailed portrait of Sergeant Roeng, one of the 46 fallen heroes, remains to be finished, expected within 2-3 days. The painting of the grandmother holding Nong Namkhong on the water tank is already done, featuring text in Thai and English stating: "24 Jul 2025 GMT+7, Cambodia launched an attack on Thailand by firing BM-21 rockets in Kabchoeng District, Surin Province, resulting in the death of 8-year-old Nong Namkhong in his grandmother’s arms."
Local villagers have shown great interest, visiting to view and photograph the paintings as keepsakes. On 21 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Praphat Srichanwiang, Deputy Governor of Surin Province, personally visited Ban Thai Santisuk School to view the paintings and encourage the artists.
The artistic response operation was formed by a collective of professionals in the arts, including independent artists and painters: Mr. Jin Jirakulsawat, Mr. Wisawa Tapparangsi, Mr. Thaworn Nattapat Techathorn, Mr. Wuttiphat Noisang, Ms. Juthamat Pinphet, Mr. Jirasak Phorpol, Mr. Itthipol Tantinishkul, Mr. Jesdaphan Kongchaiphum, and Mr. Jakksila Srimalawong. They began creating artworks on walls of classrooms, restrooms, and water tanks at the school, using acrylic paint, spray paint, and various artistic techniques.