Bangkok, December 26th, 2025– The Royal Thai Army announced on Thursday the deaths of three more soldiers in fierce fighting along the disputed border with Cambodia, bringing the total number of Thai military fatalities in the renewed conflict to at least 26. This happens one day before a possible temporary ceasefire agreement for 72 hours.
The soldiers, all from the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, King’s Guard, were killed in action in the Ban Nong Chan area of Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo province, on December 26th, 2025.
The fallen soldiers were identified as:
– Sergeant First Class Phongsakorn Nakthongdee (24th fatality)
– Private First Class Patiphat Sorapradit (25th fatality)
– Private Thiwathawan Phonyiam (26th fatality)
In a statement, the Army paid tribute to the brave troops, saying: “The Royal Thai Army salutes the soldiers who sacrificed their lives while performing their duty to protect the nation’s sovereignty. We will provide the utmost care for their rights, benefits, and welfare.”
The announcement comes amid intensified clashes in the Ban Nong Chan battlefield, part of the broader 2025 Thailand-Cambodia border conflict that reignited in early December after a fragile ceasefire broke down. Thai forces have been engaged in operations, including the ongoing “Yuttha Bodin 68” campaign, to reclaim and secure disputed areas.
Fighting has centered on several hotspots in Sa Kaeo province, with reports of heavy artillery exchanges, including BM-21 rocket barrages. The conflict, rooted in long-standing territorial disputes, has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians on both sides and drawn international calls for de-escalation.
As of December 26th, 2025, the situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of violations of international law. The Thai military reiterated its commitment to defending national territory while expressing condolences to the families of the fallen heroes.
