Thai ranger died from border clash between Thai and Cambodian troops
Written by Writer on Thursday, October 23rd, 2008
Thai ranger died from border clash between Thai and Cambodian troops
A Thai ranger dispatched to the disputed zone near the Phreah Vihear temple, who was seriously wounded in a skirmish last week, was pronounced dead on Tuesday. With such great loss and grievance, how will his family cope with the future? More details in this report.
This young girl, nicknamed Neung, is the only daughter of Boonyarit Kantee, the late Thai ranger attached to the 23rd Paramilitary Trooper Company.
Boonyarit was seriously wounded in an exchange of gunfire with Cambodian troop on October 15, while on duty near the Preah Vihear temple.
The seven-year-old girl said her father visited her only once or twice a month when he was alive. On the day of the skirmish, he gave her a call and that was the last time the little girl heard his voice.
“Dad told me not to be naughty or cause mum trouble. He said he had to go to work,” said Neung.
Boonyarit Kantee was originally from Thailand’s central province of Saraburi. He moved to the northeastern province of Si Sa Ket where he settled with his family. He had been a paramilitary ranger since 1987. He once jointly fought with Thai troops in the Romklao ???????? battle and had been on duty along Thailand’s northeastern border.
Before leaving for assignment at the border near the Preah Vihear temple, Boonyarit had told his father not to worry.
“He said we all would have to die no matter where we were, and he would be willing to die for the country,” said Boonyarit’s father Subin Kantee.
When Boonyarit was off duty, he would spend time with his family and relax by listening to music. At home, he would strum his guitar to unwind from his stressful job.
Boonyarit’s demise is definitely a huge loss and grief for the Kantee ????? family but everyone is proud of his sacrifice for the kingdom.
“I am proud of him. He did his best in the duty he loved. He loved military life; he did the best he could,” said Boomyarit’s wife Parimakorn Kantee.
Here is a motto most rangers learn by heart: “I’m a fearless fighter. I’m a great ranger who protects and fights for the Thai fraternity. Though I die, my name is never forgotten.”
Boonyarit always kept to the motto and performed his duty accordingly with a strong spirit.
