"Kung Fu" hopes to promote "Khao Satta Som" as a new border check-in point, acknowledging concerns for personnel in the Sam Tae area and believing the military has plans to counter opposing forces.
On 18 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Wasawat Puangpornsi, a Member of Parliament from the Thai Ruam Palang Party, spoke about the current border situation, saying it remains uncertain and requires urgent reinforcement of permanent security along the border. He noted that areas like Khao Satta Som and Khao Phu Ma Khuea, which are strategic high ground points, are less worrisome. However, locals remain concerned about the frontline area of Sam Tae due to its flat terrain and some gentle slopes, causing anxiety over the safety of military personnel. So far, no final decisions have been made regarding operations in Sam Tae. Personally, he believes the military already has safety plans in place for personnel, but if the civilian sector can provide support, they are ready to assist.
"Satta Som" as a new check-in point.
Mr. Wasawat further mentioned that at Khao Satta Som, monks and local people have worked together to improve the area, transforming it into a viewpoint and new check-in location. He plans to promote it as a tourist site open to the public, making it a new attraction in Sisaket Province so future generations can honor the heroes—the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect sovereignty.
This site is where Sergeant Major Thawatchai Boosapha, known as Sergeant To, from the 106th Artillery Battalion, 6th Artillery Regiment, served as a forward observer at the Satta Som checkpoint. He sacrificed his life defending Thai territory after the Cambodian army launched a heavy weapons attack on the Fah Lan base at Khao Satta Som on 25 Jul 2025 GMT+7.
Expressing condolences to the family of "Tapod."
Mr. Wasawat also visited Tapod’s home to offer condolences to the family and discuss funeral arrangements after Tapod, who was seriously wounded in the initial clash, later passed away.
Mr. Wasawat revealed that since the first clash, when a Cambodian BM-21 rocket struck Tapod’s home, he received immediate coordination from local agencies and assisted from day one. He helped relocate Tapod’s family to a temporary shelter and facilitated medical treatment at the hospital. He has continued monitoring the situation, especially regarding government compensation efforts.
At that time, in August 2025 GMT+7, the Cabinet resolved on compensation guidelines for those killed or disabled by the incident, setting compensation at 8 million baht for civilians and 10 million baht for military personnel. However, in Tapod’s family’s case, his wife—who died in the same incident—received less than 10 million baht because she was classified as a foreign national.
Tapod himself was severely injured, resulting in leg amputation, qualifying as disabled. He received 8 million baht in compensation and underwent months of hospital treatment since September 2025 GMT+7. His condition deteriorated continuously until he eventually died.
Mr. Wasawat added that Tapod’s case raises an important issue for government agencies at provincial and national levels to review compensation criteria, especially for those seriously injured who did not die immediately but passed away later. They should consider additional assistance, even if modest, such as budget support for funeral expenses.
He has acknowledged this issue and will coordinate with the district office, local administration, and relevant organizations like the Red Cross to assist the family with funeral arrangements. Although Tapod did not die immediately during the incident, his death was a direct consequence of the violent events.