Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Ta Kwai Temple today, of which the Thai army recently regained control after days of clashes with Cambodian troops. Two Thai soldiers lost their lives.
The visit by the prime minister, who was dressed in military fatigues, was aimed at boosting the morale of troops stationed in the area.
Upon arrival, Anutin paid respects at the Thai Protection Monument, built in in 2011 to honour Thai soldiers, before walking up to Ta Kwai Temple.
He had a conversation with a monk, Phra Yuen from Khao Sala Temple in Buachet district, Surin.
The monk advised the prime minister to modernise soldiers’ military equipment, noting that much of it had been procured many years ago. He also suggested rebuilding the access road to Ta Kwai, as the existing one is in very poor condition.
On the way to the temple area, Anutin said the site is a source of pride for the Thai people, pointing to the Thai flag, hoisted on pole erected after the Thai army regained control from Cambodian troops.
He then proceeded to Hill 350, where he encouraged the troops to take care of their health and thanked them for their sacrifices for the nation.
At one point, he pointed to a foam box containing PMN-2 landmines and said, rhetorically, “Look at this box of landmines. How has the box remained in such good condition after 30 years?”
Anutin was referring to Cambodia’s repeated claims that the landmines in the area are remnants from the past and not newly laid, as alleged by Thai troops.
He also visited the location where the bodies of the two fallen soldiers were found, paying his respects before taking photos with officers currently stationed on Hill 350.
