SURIN, THAILAND – The Thai army reported the capture of strategic Hill 350 near the Cambodian border after fierce fighting, a victory that came at the cost of two soldiers’ lives.
Hill 350 secured under Thai control
Under the personal command of Lieutenant General Weerayuth Raksilp, head of the 2nd Army Region, the Suranaree Task Force took control of the position known as Hill 350. The hill, located near Prasat Takwai in Phanom Dong Rak district, had been heavily contested and was described as a deadly trap.
“The opposing forces had violated the Ottawa Convention and secretly laid landmines in the area,”
said Lieutenant General Weerayuth. Every step during the operation had to be carefully considered.
Two soldiers killed in the operation
The success was overshadowed by the deaths of Staff Sergeant Major Samroeng Khlangprakhon and Private Phanupat Saorsa, who were killed in combat on 16 December. Both served in the 3rd Infantry Battalion of the 23rd Infantry Regiment, forming a security team that supported their comrades. Their deaths were only confirmed after the area had been secured.
Landmines hamper recovery efforts
The recovered bodies of the two soldiers were being transported from the combat zone with extreme caution, as danger in the area persisted. Remaining landmines and improvised explosive devices turned every movement into a high-risk task for engineering units. The situation highlighted the brutality of the fighting and what was described as the reprehensible tactics of an opponent disregarding humanitarian international law.
Command hails “shining example”
Lieutenant General Weerayuth paid high tribute to the fallen soldiers, calling their sacrifice a
“shining example of courage and professionalism.”
said Lieutenant General Weerayuth, army commander.
He said their names would
“be engraved forever in the history of the Thai military”
said Lieutenant General Weerayuth, army commander.
as a testament to their ultimate commitment to the defence of the nation.
Strategic gain, contested value
While the army celebrated a tactical success, foreign policy questions remained, as the international community continued to call for de-escalation. The capture of a single hill did little to alter the underlying tensions and could lead to further reprisals and a spiral of escalation. For the families of the dead soldiers, the achievement offered little comfort as they mourned sons, brothers and fathers who died for a disputed patch of ground.