PFC Pakom, a machine gunner with the 3rd Rifle Platoon, 1st Infantry Company, Special Operations Unit, was fatally shot by a sniper during a security patrol in Ban Wang Hin, Tambon Bannang Sata. The patrol was part of ongoing efforts to ensure public safety in Thailand’s Deep South.
His body was flown by military helicopter to Wat Mongkhon Wararam School (at Wat Nai Yang), where a dignified reception took place at 9:50pm last night.
Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun, Sakhu Mayor Trin Panyawai, Interior Ministry representatives and many local leaders joined grieving family members and villagers to honour the fallen soldier. An honour guard from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment received the body.
From there, his body was taken to Darun Abidin Mosque in Bang Malao for ritual Islamic cleansing (ghusul janazah) and funeral prayer. The burial is to take place at 10am today (June 18) at the nearby Muslim cemetery, in accordance with Islamic tradition.
A royal funeral ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 26.
PDC Pakom’s mother, Prakong Cholthar, and his sister, Woranuch Angkhara, said he had volunteered for military service and had spoken to the family the night before the fatal incident.
“He asked us if we were afraid,” his mother recalled through tears. “He said, ‘Why be afraid? If something happens, I’ll be fine.’”
Officials emphasised that the ceremony was conducted with full honours to recognise PFC Pakom’s bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty.