Royal wreath ceremony held to honor fallen Phuket soldier

PHUKET: A Royal wreath placing ceremony was held at Wat Sopon Wanaram (Pa Khlok Temple) on Saturday to honor fallen soldier Thanapon Kaewpetch, a native of Phuket, who was shot dead while on duty in the Deep South last week.

Private Thanapon joined the military on November 1 last year.

He was killed while guarding the Thai military installation in Muang Pattani District.

He was 23 years old.

Phuket Governor Chokchai Dejamornthan led the ceremony and was joined by local dignitaries, placing wreaths bestowed by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and members of the Royal Family in front of the coffin.

Private Thanapon’s body was taken to his home in Pa Khlok sub-district by helicopter on Thursday (story here).

He was the son of Klanarong Kaewpetch and Chanida Pattamapaneewong.

His cremation rites will be held at 1pm tomorrow at Wat Sopon Wanaram.

— Chutharat Plerin