Vigil at Three Kings Monument

August 2

Chiang Mai Residents Hold Candlelight Vigil Honoring 15 Fallen Border Heroes Chiang Mai – On Friday evening (August 2, 2025), more than 200 residents, including local youth and foreign visitors, gathered at the iconic Three Kings Monument in the heart of Chiang Mai to honor 15 Thai soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending the nation’s borders.
The solemn event began at around 6 p.m., organized by local civic groups and community members, and coincided with similar commemorative activities held in Bangkok. It paid tribute to the soldiers who died in clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along the border from July 24 to 28, 2025—an incident that brought deep grief to the Thai public. The square in front of the monument was adorned with Thai national flags and portraits of the 15 fallen heroes, alongside wreaths in the national colors.
Participants gathered to hear words of tribute praising the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who gave their lives in defense of the nation. At approximately 7 p.m., the crowd collectively sang the Thai national anthem, the royal anthem, and a song dedicated to the memory of the fallen soldiers. They then lit candles, forming a sea of flickering lights to honor the departed, before placing the candles in front of the Three Kings Monument—an enduring symbol of Chiang Mai’s heritage. A one-minute silence was observed in remembrance of the 15 heroes.
The vigil concluded peacefully around 8 p.m., with participants dispersing in an orderly manner, leaving behind a poignant display of gratitude and respect for the soldiers’ ultimate sacrifice.