A former Thai footballer from Buriram Academy, now serving as a soldier, helped recapture Hill 350 from Cambodia.
On 28 Dec 2025 GMT+7, amid ongoing intense clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border in multiple areas, Thai and Cambodian troops fought fiercely, especially at "Hill 350," a strategic point near Ta Kwai Temple in Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province. The Thai side planned and successfully took control of the location despite strong Cambodian counterattacks. Thailand lost Staff Sergeant Samrerng Khlangprakon, known as Sergeant Rerng, and Private Phanuphat Saosa, known as Private Woon, from the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, causing grief among their families and the Thai public.
On 24 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the 2nd Army Region's Facebook page shared a video clip titled "Moments of the Assault to Reclaim Hill 350" featuring Staff Sergeant Samrerng and Private Phanuphat. This tribute honored these brave warriors of Ta Kwai Temple and Hill 350 who gave their lives defending Thailand’s sovereignty on 16 Dec 2025 GMT+7.
Unbeknownst to many, Staff Sergeant Aphinan Waengwan, nicknamed “Mu Kung,” a former footballer who played for Buriram United Academy, Assumption Bangkok, and Army United FC—winning the Bangkok zone Coca-Cola Cup—and later for Lopburi City in Thai League 3, as well as competing in numerous prize-winning tournaments, was among the soldiers involved in the mission that successfully reclaimed Hill 350 for Thailand.
Staff Sergeant Aphinan posted on Facebook: “To all who sacrificed, Hill 350 is ours. From now on, it will only be represented at 1:50,000 scale! I’m very proud of myself. Thank you all for your support. #ItIsOursSergeantRerng #EvenThoughINeverMadeTheNationalTeamIHaveServedTheNationToo #GreatJobAphinan #ThailandLovesPeaceButIsBraveInBattle #SF2001 #SpecialForcesDiwa!”
