PFC Pakom, 22, served as a machine gunner in the 3rd Rifle Company, Special Operations Unit, 1st Infantry Battalion. He was fatally shot during an ambush by unknown assailants in Ban Wang Hin, Bannang Sata District, on Tuesday (June 17). He sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead while being transported to Bannang Sata Hospital.
PFC Pakom’s body was flown back to Phuket on Tuesday night, where he was honoured with Islamic burial rites and full military honours.
The bathing ritual and prayer service were held at the Darul Abidin Mosque (Bang Malao) in Sakhu, south of Phuket International Airport, on Wednesday.
The funeral drew a solemn gathering of military commanders, local leaders and community members. Among those in attendance were Col Chaiphiphat Intharathep, Commander of the 1st Infantry Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, along with Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun, Sakhu Police Chief Pol Col Salan Santisasanakul and Trin Panyawai, Chief of the Sakhu Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor).
The 15th Infantry Regiment organised an honour guard to accompany the fallen soldier’s casket to the Bang Malao Cemetery, where he was laid to rest.
A special ceremony was held yesterday (June 19) where Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam was appointed to present a gift basket to the grieving family on behalf of Their Majesties the King and Queen.
The presentation took place at the same mosque where the funeral rites were held, and the gifts were received by PFC Pakom’s mother, Prakong Cholthar.
The royal tribute was a gesture of deep compassion and support for the bereaved family, symbolising the monarchy’s enduring respect and concern for the armed forces and those who sacrifice their lives in service to the nation, said an official report of the gift-basket ceremony.
The heartfelt gesture was received with gratitude by the family and members of the local community, the report added.
A final royal ceremony is scheduled for June 26, when royal burial soil will be formally bestowed ‒ an honour reserved for those who have served with bravery and given their lives for the peace and security of the country, the report concluded.