On the first anniversary, Nong Nam Khong's grandfather, a BM-21 victim, remains deeply affected and refuses to forgive the Hun father and son. He showed the damaged home and remaining rocket fragments, while his severely injured son's compensation has still not been received.
On 24 July 2026, reporters noted it was the first anniversary of Cambodian soldiers firing BM-21 rockets into Thai homes across several areas, causing injuries and deaths. In one village in Kabchoeng district, Surin province, a BM-21 rocket struck a house, killing 8-year-old Thitiwat Boontang (Nong Nam Khong) and 32-year-old Bundit Unjit at the scene.
The incident remains deeply etched in the Boontang family's memory, especially for grandparents Suthee Boontang, 61, and Saton Kanpai, 64, who constantly remember their grandson and have never forgiven the Hun father and son from Cambodia.
Suthee Boontang, Nong Nam Khong's grandfather, said the event causing his grandson's death remains unforgettable. From a warm, small family, the rocket struck without warning. He said all they could do was come to terms with it and refuse to forgive Hun Sen and Hun Manet, urging them to take responsibility for their actions against Thai people. Locals remain concerned on the anniversary but stay alert without panic. He sent support to all bereaved families.
Regarding government compensation, the severely injured son, 31-year-old Apisit Boontang, who suffered shrapnel wounds but has now recovered, has yet to receive any state aid. However, no amount of money can bring back their grandson’s life; if possible, they would rather have him back.
On the border issue, he expressed support for soldiers guarding the Thai border and wished for the conflict to end once and for all. That morning, he and his family planned to make merit by offering alms to monks at their village temple, dedicating merit to Nong Nam Khong.
Tomorrow (25 July 2026), the 2nd Army Region invited his family to attend the 1st anniversary memorial of the Yuthabodin Century Operation, traveling early to the Ruam Roeng Chai Club.
Grandparents then showed reporters the damaged house and rocket impact site, especially the front door and windows still visibly broken. They have not repaired the damage, preserving it as a reminder of the Hun father and son's cruelty, along with a ruined rice granary and leftover BM-21 rocket fragments still inside.
Meanwhile, in the Surin border village, security forces continue close surveillance of Cambodian military movements during the one-year conflict anniversary. At Chong Jom border market in Dan subdistrict, Kabchoeng district, activity remains subdued. Thai shops operate normally, but people stay alert and ready to evacuate if emergencies arise.