Mukdahan: The family of Sgt. Maj. Thawatchai Busapa is preparing to receive his body following his tragic death at the Thai-Cambodian border. Sgt. Maj. Thawatchai was shot and killed by Cambodian soldiers while on a mission to shoot at Cambodian tanks. His family, gathered at their home in Ban Song Subdistrict, Khamcha-i District, Mukdahan Province, is mourning the loss of the 35-year-old soldier who had served in the border area for over a decade. His mother, Mrs. Wilai, shared that despite the heartbreak, she is proud of her son's service to the country.
According to Thai News Agency, Mrs. Wilai recounted the last conversation with her son on the night before his death. Sgt. Maj. Thawatchai had called to say he had completed his mission and was preparing to rest. Mrs. Wilai later learned of the clash through the news and received confirmation of her son's death. Sgt. Maj. Thawatchai had always aspired to be a soldier, successfully passing the sergeant exam and dedicating more than ten years to border duty.
Reporters also spoke with Ms. Racharin, Sgt. Maj. Thawatchai's wife, who revealed a poignant detail from the night of the incident. She received a message from her husband at around 4:00 AM requesting a picture of their 1-year-old son. Unbeknownst to her, this would be one of their last exchanges.
The tragedy extended beyond Sgt. Maj. Thawatchai, as Private First Class Woranchit Yuangsuwan, known as 'Nong Mack,' also lost his life while protecting the sovereignty of the same border. Nong Mack was killed by artillery shrapnel in Si Sa Ket Province, adding to the grief felt by both families. Nong Mack's parents, Mr. Montree and Ms. Walairak, expressed their sorrow and disbelief over the sudden loss.
The family of Nong Mack, residing in Na Wa District, Nakhon Phanom Province, is preparing to bring his body back home. His mother recalled their last conversation, where Nong Mack had mentioned his duty involving the M-1 gun. The family is devastated by the loss, as Nong Mack was nearing discharge from the military and had plans to pursue a career with the Border Patrol Police.