On November 13, 2026, religious figures led merit-making and almsgiving ceremonies along the Thai-Cambodian border to honor fallen soldiers.
Border Almsgiving at Prasat Ta Khwai
Phra Boonsin Chotipanyo, a former commander of the 2nd Army Region, accompanied senior monks on a religious pilgrimage to the Ta Khwai Castle area in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province. The morning proceedings began at 7:09 a.m. near the Nearn Phra Yai hill, where the clergy received alms from military personnel and local residents.
The gathering dedicated merits to soldiers who died during border clashes under Operation Century and Operation Yutthabodin. Col. Phakphum Naphakat, commander of Task Force 2, joined Lt. Col. Sarayuth Malasai and local officials at the Suranaree Task Force site to participate in the prayers and meal offerings.
Col. Thanin Damhom, commander of Task Force 2 of the Suranaree Force, also participated in the merit-making activities alongside local residents by offering dried food and morning meals to the monks.
The religious ceremony involved a total of seven monks. The delegation was led by Phra Thepvachirayansophon, also known as Luang Ta Yuern Khantiphalo, abbot of Wat Khao Sala, alongside Phra Maha Thavisuk Apisukho, district monk dean of Prasat and assistant abbot of Wat Burapharam Phra Aram Luang, and Phra Kru Phanom Silachan, abbot of Wat Pa Khao To, together with three sub-district monk deans.
Monastic Visit to Khao Sala and Subsequent Pilgrimage
Before reaching the border ruins, Phra Boonsin visited Wat Khao Sala Adulyathanacharo in Bua Chet district to pay respects to Phra Thamvachirayanakoson, also known as Luang Ta Yuern. The senior abbot delivered a dharma instruction to the visiting clergy and laity, offering guidance intended to serve as a moral compass for daily living and spiritual practice.
Phra Boonsin then continued his ascetic journey alongside Luang Ta Yuern, establishing a roadside camp to practice meditation at Prasat Ta Khwai. The monks delivered sermons to reinforce the psychological resilience of troops stationed in the frontier zone, while also distributing financial donations contributed by the public and sacred amulets to the military personnel.
Tributes at Nearn 350 and Movement Toward Si Sa Ket
Following the ceremonies at the ancient sanctuary, the clergy traveled to Nearn 350 to visit the memorial dedicated to Sergeant Jaroeng, a soldier killed in action while defending national sovereignty. Monks poured water in a traditional dedication ritual to honor the fallen personnel before distributing amulets to the border garrison.
Phra Boonsin subsequently advanced through steep forested terrain toward Khao Satta So and Yod Phu Makhuea in Si Sa Ket province, maintaining contact with forward units operating in the strategic frontier sector.
