Ranger Hero Wimol Returns Home to Surin for Funeral Rites
Volunteer ranger Assadthorn Wimol Dapthong, 43, was killed in a militant attack at a Narathiwat checkpoint on July 22 and returned to his native Surin province for royal funeral rites, leaving his elderly parents without their primary finan
The body of Assadthorn Wimol Dapthong, a 43-year-old ranger volunteer with the 45th Special Operations Regiment, was returned to his birthplace in Sangkha district, Surin province, on July 23 after being killed in a militant vehicle attack on July 22 at Buke Samee checkpoint in Narathiwat. Military honor guards and local officials, including Sangkha subdistict head Bunliang Riamthong, presided over the solemn reception attended by government leaders and large crowds of family and community members.
On July 24, the King graciously granted special royal ablution and floral wreaths, with the royal cremation ceremony scheduled for Monday, July 27. The royal family also extended condolences through the Surin provincial governor, who will present additional wreaths. The deceased, born August 6, 1981, had served as a volunteer ranger in Thailand's southern border region for over 20 years after completing two years of mandatory military service, driven by a childhood dream of becoming a soldier.
Wimol's aging parents, 73-year-old Mann and 70-year-old Taw, remain devastated by his death. His family revealed that he was their financial pillar, sending home 7,000–8,000 baht monthly to support them and finance his nephews' education, later reducing to 4,000–5,000 baht monthly after taking on truck payments. His passing has created severe hardship for the family, who have called on authorities to apprehend the perpetrators swiftly. The Army has pledged to posthumously promote the deceased and provide full ongoing support to his family.
