More than 550 "veterans" sang the Thai national anthem to send encouragement to frontline troops involved in operations along the Thai-Cambodian border. "Big Lek" emphasized that the nation is currently facing a variety of threats.
On 19 Dec 2025 GMT+7 at the plaza in front of the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, General Natthapon Nakpanich, Defense Minister, along with over 550 veterans, joined in singing the Thai national anthem to support soldiers serving on the frontlines in seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border. The event aimed to demonstrate the unity of all Thai warrior comrades as a good example to the public during a time when the nation faces diverse threats from both natural disasters and armed conflict.
Defense Minister General Natthapon Nakpanich addressed the veterans, saying, "To all veteran comrades, on behalf of the government, Ministry of Defense, and active military personnel, I deeply appreciate and thank the representatives of veterans from all regions who have gathered to show unity and boost the morale of our soldiers currently defending the country and its sovereignty against aggression from the Cambodian military. We all know this combat operation has been intense and challenging along the entire frontline, but our Thai soldiers have successfully reclaimed key strategic points and effectively degraded the Cambodian military's capabilities."
The atmosphere during the event was positive. Despite the morning sunlight, the veterans united in singing the Thai national anthem and the Royal Anthem loudly, generating immense morale and encouragement.
After the event, General Natthapon expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate. He said he believed that although these veterans have retired or been discharged, their spirit as soldiers and their responsibility for the nation's security, sovereignty, and interests remain strong and full.
"As a representative of active soldiers, I feel this event will greatly encourage all soldiers. To compare, it is like the Chula-Thammasat sports rivalry where juniors compete and seniors come to support them. Similarly, in this battle, frontline soldiers are fully committed to defending sovereignty and national interests, while veteran comrades come to offer encouragement. I feel warmth and deep appreciation," he added.
Finally, General Natthapon took the opportunity to bless the veterans, saying, "I pray to the Triple Gem and all revered sacred entities, the sacred spirits of all former kings, the abundant grace of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, and the spirits of all Thai warriors everywhere to protect and bless all veterans and their families, whether gathered here or following from home. May they have happiness, good health, and success in all their wishes."