The Prime Minister used the New Year holiday to visit and encourage soldiers in Surin Province, expressing gratitude for their sacrifices. He shared a meal with them and presented the "Phra Narai Garuda" medal, entrusted by Somdet Chao Khun Thongchai, to the frontline soldiers.
On 2 January 2026 at 11:40 a.m., Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, took advantage of the extended New Year holiday to visit the Phu Luang operational base in Dan Subdistrict, Kab Choeng District, Surin Province. He inspected and monitored the situation following the ceasefire. He was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Defense General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Second Army Area Commander Lieutenant General Weerayut Raksin, the Suranaree Task Force, and the personnel stationed at the base who welcomed him. He received a briefing on the situation, greeted and encouraged the troops, and shared lunch with them to boost morale. The menu included Khanom Jeen (fermented rice noodles), Hainanese chicken rice, red pork rice, and Pad Thai.
Anutin expressed his gratitude to all soldiers for their selfless service, continuing their mission to protect national security during the New Year festival without returning home.
Additionally, the Prime Minister presented morale-boosting supplies to the troops and awarded the Phra Narai Garuda medal. He explained that Somdet Chao Khun Thongchai, also known as Somdet Phra Maharatchamongkol Muni of Wat Traimit, entrusted the medals to be given to all frontline soldiers, wishing them safety and protection from harm.
While greeting and talking with the soldiers, Anutin noticed a helmet on a table inscribed with the Yong Thong or Moraprit chant "Namo Vimuttanang Namo Vimuttiya" by Luang Pu Mun Phurithatto. He shared that he recites this chant nine times every morning. He also wrote the Yong Thong chant and presented it to the soldiers on duty.
