Thailand's Royal Family Honors Fallen Thai Soldiers, Sergeant Major Posthumously Promoted to Major General
In order to honor Thai soldiers who died in the recent Cambodia-Thailand conflict, the Thai royal family has made a generous gesture.
According to news from the Thai media "Bangkok Insight", on the 28th, the website of the Royal Gazette of Thailand published an announcement by the Thai royal family honoring 14 fallen Thai military personnel. This includes posthumously promoting four non-commissioned officers (sergeants) to the rank of major general, five non-commissioned officers and corporals to the rank of lieutenant colonel, one private first class to the rank of captain, and four privates to the rank of second lieutenant.
In addition, these 14 individuals will also be posthumously awarded the title of "Hero".
This means that according to Thailand's compensation system for fallen soldiers, the families of these 14 Thai soldiers will be able to receive corresponding compensation and benefits based on the new ranks granted by the Thai royal family, including a lump sum payment (special assistance + bonus + insurance + fund, ranging between 10 million to 12 million Thai baht), as well as a monthly "special pension".
By comparison, Cambodia's compensation for fallen soldiers is much less generous.
For example, according to a news report from "The Cambodia Times" at the beginning of this year, the families of deceased Cambodian soldiers can receive a lump sum compensation equivalent to the last nine months of the soldier's allowance to cover funeral and related expenses, as well as an initial compensation equivalent to 15 months of allowance and a monthly living allowance.
A case cited by Cambodian media was that a family of a deceased soldier could receive a monthly living allowance of 60,000 to 70,000 riel (approximately 15 to 17.5 U.S. dollars).
In addition, the Cambodian government will also require banks to reduce or cancel loans for the families of deceased soldiers.
Overall, although Cambodia's compensation for fallen soldiers is not as absurd as the rumors suggesting that the families of deceased Cambodian soldiers only received basic supplies like rice, oil, and instant noodles, due to the economic gap between Cambodia and Thailand, its actual value is far inferior to that of Thailand.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852929862103051/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.