The air was buzzing with anticipation as members of the Thai Horizontal Military Engineering Company gathered for a memorable group photo, capturing a moment in time during a visit from none other than the Royal Thai Army’s (RTA) commander-in-chief, Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk. This distinguished delegation had trekked all the way to South Sudan, drawn by the warm sands of Juba to oversee the gallant efforts of their comrades stationed far from home.
On that balmy Monday in Juba, the epicenter of South Sudan’s bustling activity, Gen Pana embarked on a journey to delve into the heart of his unit’s operations, which play a pivotal role in supporting the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Upon arrival, the commander-in-chief was greeted with a salute by the unit’s commander, Lt Col Weerapong Jantarasiripas—a moment that resonated with pride and camaraderie.
The itinerary was action-packed, beginning with Gen Pana adding his signature to the storied guestbook—a record of high hopes and illustrious company. This was swiftly followed by a comprehensive briefing on the unit’s crucial mission at the helm of their headquarters. Each word and every detail was soaked in with unwavering attention, as the breadth of the unit’s work was laid bare for all to admire.
Next on the agenda was a visit to the storied halls of the UN House in Juba. Here, the delegation was welcomed with open arms by UNMISS’s esteemed chief of organizational resilience management, Aggrey Kedogo, alongside UNMISS force commander, Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian. Praises were heaped upon the Thai unit for their stellar contributions, which ranged from engineering feats to providing essential medical support—like setting up a robust field hospital amid all odds. Such was their stellar reputation that UNMISS expressed a keen interest in enlisting more forces from the stout-hearted ranks of the Thai army.
A highlight of the day was when Gen Pana extended tokens of gratitude—warmly handing out gifts and echoing his admiration for the relentless dedication and tenacity exhibited by the company members. He underlined their participation as a crowning achievement, highlighting the RTA’s newfound global recognition. You could almost feel the pride swelling among the troops, partners in a historic endeavor that echoed far beyond the continent’s borders.
In his address, Gen Pana applauded the unit’s exceptional adaptability amidst daunting contexts, emphasizing the crucial need to uphold elite standards of readiness, safety, and professionalism. He further stressed the paramount importance of cementing bonds with local communities—an undertaking achievable through a range of community projects and thoughtful initiatives.
This isn’t just any unit in the limelight; the Thai Horizontal Military Engineering Company has been a steadfast part of UNMISS since its inaugural march in December 2018. They’ve weathered five fruitful rotations, a testament to their enduring spirit and ceaseless contribution. The current 273 soldiers, stationed here in the heart of Africa, carry the monumental responsibility of enhancing primary supply routes and upgrading the very infrastructure of Juba and Rumbek. In doing so, they innovatively incorporate His Majesty King Rama IX’s sufficiency economy philosophy, a beacon guiding the development of local areas.
So goes the tale of duty and distinction, a stirring chapter in the annals of peacekeeping which continues to unfold against the vibrant backdrop of South Sudan. This visit, forged in camaraderie and commitment, further writes the narrative of a unit that exemplifies the best, not only in arms but in heart—a story destined to echo across the corridors of military lore.
It’s inspiring to see such commitment from Thai forces in South Sudan. They absolutely embody peacekeeping excellence.
I agree, but don’t you think this is a bit too lavish a praise? Isn’t it just PR?
Maybe, but the achievements speak for themselves. They’re actually making a difference on the ground.
That’s a good point, Thomas. Nonetheless, we can’t ignore the positive impact foreign peacekeepers have had historically.
I don’t see why they need to send troops so far away. Charity begins at home.
International peace missions are critical. They help prevent regional conflicts from escalating.
I still think the resources would be better used in improving local infrastructure at home.
Our nation gets global recognition and builds strong ties worldwide. It’s a strategic move.
Peacekeeping is admirable, but let’s not gloss over the fact that this can be risky and controversial.
I salute Gen Pana for recognizing these brave soldiers. We need more leaders like him.
While symbolic, the real change needs consistent policy reform and support, not just commendations.
The emphasis on community projects and initiatives will have a lasting impact on local populations.
Community projects are nice, but is it sustainable once they leave? That’s the real question.
It can be sustainable if there’s continued collaboration with local leaders and international support.
True, sustainability is always the challenge with international aid projects.
It’s important to evaluate the long-term benefits versus the short-term gains of these deployments.
But why highlight a military visit? This shows the militarization of foreign policy.
Military efforts in peacekeeping can pave the way for diplomatic solutions if handled correctly.
I see your point, but the line between military objectives and peace-building is often blurred.
Pride in nation’s contribution is great, but shouldn’t overshadow the need for addressing root causes of conflicts.
Are we sure our resources are being used wisely? Wars and missions never seem to end.