Army Commander Gen. Pana led religious ceremonies on Army Day, commemorating and honoring the heroic soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending Thailand. Gen. Prayut, Gen. Apirat, and former army commanders also participated in the event.
At 10:00 a.m. on 18 January 2026 GMT+7, the Army Headquarters (HQ) hosted the Army Day event. Gen. Pana Klaewplaodtook, the Army Commander, presided over religious ceremonies and the tribute honoring fallen heroes. The event comprised four main ceremonies: worship at the Thao Maha Brahma shrine; wreath-laying at the Army Memorial Wall to remember army personnel who died in the line of duty, especially those lost during the Thai-Cambodian border conflicts; royal homage to the statue of King Rama V in front of the Kittikhajorn auditorium; and Buddhist rites held in Room 221.
During the wreath-laying ceremony at the Army Memorial Wall, the Army Commander led senior commanders in paying respects to the spirits of the fallen Thai soldiers, followed by an honor ceremony featuring solo and group bugle calls as a dignified tribute. Afterwards, the commander offered royal homage at the King Rama V statue, expressing gratitude for his foundational contributions to the Thai army, before participating in Buddhist rites. These included the ceremonial offering of funeral cloths and merit dedication for the spirits of Thai warriors, with chanting performed by monks invited from Somnath Ratchaworawihan Temple. The atmosphere was solemn and filled with deep appreciation for the sacrifices of the heroes.
The reporter added that besides the commanders of all military branches attending the key ceremonies together, several notable former army commanders also joined the Army Day event. These included Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, Privy Councilor and former Prime Minister; Gen. Anupong Paochinda; Gen. Udomdej Sitabutr; and Gen. Apirat Kongsompong.
