One of the lines of the national anthem that tells one of the characteristics
Which is unique to Thailand and all Thai people.
Because our country tends to avoid conflict and seeks peace and happiness.
and look for peaceful solutions to all the problems that have occurred in our history.
Whether it is a domestic or international problem
But if the negotiations are not fruitful ... we are determined.
and have the courage to defeat enemies who intend to harm their fellow countrymen.
Fast and strong, no less than any other warrior in the world.
And this is another story of courage and determination.
Never give up and compromise with the demands of the real insurgents in Thailand...
*The picture is for illustrative purposes only and is not the actual vehicle in the incident.
On a quiet early morning on January 24, 2000, Mr. Pinij Pongmanee
Still doing my job as usual as a bus driver on route 18.
He met two men on the slopes of Khao Chae, Ban Huai Sut, Ban Wai Noi, Suan Phueng Subdistrict.
The two men hitchhiked to travel along the route.
Where the bus drives past every day and when the bus stops, the door opens.
What happened next changed his life, Thailand and the people of Ratchaburi forever....
The man who got into the car grabbed a gun and pointed it at his head.
Mr. Pinij Pongmanee, the driver, surrendered before giving the signal.
to 8 other armed men waiting in ambush in the forest by the roadside
To run up to the bus to prepare for departure ...
They are about to go on a big mission by invading Ratchaburi Hospital.
A place full of doctors and nurses, which is an important variable for them.
To save the lives of the injured Karen brothers and sisters of the God Army.
From the fighting with the Burmese army during that time
The journey went according to plan, with the weapons neatly hidden.
Dialogues and commands that the driver must follow, including familiarity
of the officers and checkpoints where the bus is often seen driving through
Because it was a morning bus, which is the bus that the villagers took to take their goods to sell,
Students were on their way to school, which led to a neglect of inspection.
Make them travel smoothly to their destination without being noticed.
Arriving at the destination at 07:00, 10 men were fully armed.
He ordered the bus to drive through the checkpoint into the administration building of Lopburi Hospital.
When the car came to a complete stop, 10 God's Army soldiers in camouflage were seen.
Equipped with a full range of war weapons, such as M16 and M79 rifles, as well as AK rifles.
Quickly stormed in and occupied the hospital without any hindrance.
The forces were divided into three groups. The first group stormed in to take control.
The second group of security guards stormed into the second floor.
To install explosive devices in buildings and their surrounding areas.
And the third group was responsible for raiding and capturing civilians in the hospital.
The leader of the group, who is known as the head of the attack team, is known as Preeda.
Or "Beda" or "Nui", who is an important warrior of the God Army group.
And has the ability to communicate in Thai very well. Is the one who gives orders.
Including ordering troops to round up medical personnel.
Whether it's doctors and nurses, as well as patients and relatives who come to visit
At that time in the hospital, gather at the administration building on the 2nd floor.
To be used as hostages, initially up to 200 people.
The occasional sound of gunfire from war weapons caused panic.
People in the hospital and nearby villagers, local police officers
They all realized that the situation was beyond their ability to handle. They sent information.
To the higher units to request support from the central unit
When the situation was under control, the representative of the God's Army group
Initial demands were made to the situation control officers at that time.
1. Order the police to be stationed 300 meters away from the hospital.
Do not go any closer to the hospital area.
2. Ask for food, drinking water and cigarettes.
3. Request 1 mobile phone for contact.
When all parties learned the news, chaos ensued throughout Ratchaburi.
Reporters and onlookers from all directions traveled to wait at the hospital.
The influx of journalists and news agencies across the country has created problems.
The phone signal is lost because there are too many people using it at the same time in the same area.
Police have ordered the closure of all roads leading to the hospital.
Ratchaburi Provincial Administration Office in collaboration with the 1st Army Area
Establish a joint command center to resolve special incidents
At the sports stadium building, which is located to the west of Ratchaburi Hospital.
At that moment, the insurgents seized the entire hospital.
and control additional patients and medical personnel, totaling approximately 780 people.
Consisting of 580 patients and 200 hospital staff.
At 8:00 am, additional demands were made by the leader of the insurgency.
With 2 more additional points from the officials
1. Need to transport a team of doctors and nurses, including equipment.
Travel with them to treat the injured Karen troops.
From the fighting in the Thai-Burmese border area
2. Request that Thailand open a free border to allow the Karen forces.
Have a place of refuge in Thailand
But at that point, the Thai side and the authorities did not respond in any way to the perpetrators.
This caused the group of perpetrators to decide to fire their guns into the sky and shoot the tires of cars in the hospital area.
To intimidate and show that they are serious. 
At that time, the then Prime Minister, Mr. Chuan Leekpai
Assigned to General Surayud Chulanont, who was the Army Commander at the time.
Serves as an incident commander whose main requirement is:
"All hostages must be safe and losses must be minimized."
Shortly after, special forces were called into the area.
Consisting of Naresuan Unit 261 and Arintharat Unit 26
And there are military forces and U.S. officials coming to help.
To establish defense lines and coordinate in surrounding areas
Until approximately 11:00, the group of perpetrators announced their demands.
There are 5 official points in total, which show the true intention of the incident this time.
Better living
Who ordered the shooting of immigrants in the area?
Even though it may seem like a simple request, and many people may think that
It is imperative that the perpetrators choose to act in order to seek help.
But even so... what the perpetrators did was not right and was a violation of sovereignty.
Thailand is unforgivable and no terrorist group is arrogant enough.
It is unacceptable to use a hospital to commit crimes and take hostages.
No matter where in the world
During the negotiations, the task force planned to storm in and provide assistance.
The hostages were in the area several times but were thwarted by the perpetrators.
Densely placed minefields were laid around the perimeter of the area.
Especially along the parking lot line, making it impossible for officers to infiltrate the area.
The situation became more tense when it was discovered that there were still patients and civilians stranded.
Located in the hospital area longer than estimated and due to many factors
It may cause civilians to be hit by stray bullets if there is a clash, so the task force
Decided to delay the initial invasion plan.
At 13:00, the perpetrator made additional demands, asking for food.
Drinking water and allowing reporters to enter the hospital to report news and spread the intention.
and the demands of the perpetrators in all channels of the country
In exchange for releasing some of the hostages
When reporters went inside, they found that the perpetrators did not cause any harm.
To the hostages in the area, including the allocation and sharing of food and drinking water.
The hostages were well taken care of, and the perpetrators also made requests for their cooperation.
By expressing that they do not want to hurt anyone, they just want to ask for help.
To his people only
One of the hostages even said that the perpetrators had made a selection.
Elderly patients, including seriously ill patients, in preparation for the release of hostages
At the same time, they are feeding and giving water to the elderly grandmother who is bedridden.
And he asked the news team to help transport the grandmother to prepare to leave the area.
And at 14:00, the first group of about 30 hostages were released from the area.
Meanwhile, there was a sneaky escape of the hostages who were not yet captured.
About 50 others left the building on the other side and were rescued.
By the surrounding officers safely
From the information received from the news team, including the images of the event inside
Helped piece together stories and provide important information to the task force.
In planning the rescue, including obtaining very important information that
The leader of the group of perpetrators was the same group of students.
with the incident of seizing the Burmese embassy in the heart of Bangkok
On October 1, 1999, or 3 months before this incident occurred
The previous situation, although it ended well, made Thailand
Under the watchful eye of insurgent groups and the eyes of many countries.
They are questioning the safety in Thailand because of its location.
The Burmese embassy where the incident occurred is located in the heart of the Thai capital.
This incident of the invasion of Ratchaburi Hospital has therefore attracted international attention.
And all Thai people are watching the leader's decision.
In this situation, will it be like last time? And from now on
What will the direction of Thailand be? What will Thailand become?
Is one of the targets to continue to be attacked?
And that's what the incident commander and all the operational planning teams are doing.
I think if we use leniency or peaceful methods like the first incident,
It may cause endless incidents and make Thailand
Including Thai people being more at risk in the future if there are insurgents.
View Thailand as a country that only complies with all demands.
This kind of incident may definitely happen again.
This led to a hostage rescue operation being planned, with a focus on maximum efficiency.
The safest and fastest way to send a signal to the insurgents.
Who are watching Thailand and we will not allow this kind of incident to happen.
Up again as well
On the perpetrator's side, they are constantly outsmarting each other.
Choose to negotiate and bring reporters in to report updates on the situation in exchange for
Hostages are often held in order to make the news they release behave as they wish.
and reduce the chances that officers will intervene to stop the incident, which could damage the image
The violence was immediately publicized, including the release of hostages who needed to be cared for.
Especially to leave the area to reduce the burden and increase mobility.
To control the overall situation of the perpetrator himself
Meanwhile, the authorities chose to use undercover officers to enter the area.
By infiltrating teams or hostages in the area to deliver news and information.
Especially information on the status of the perpetrator, location, and position of the perpetrator.
, blind spots and points that can be used as cover and supply bases
If there is a need for a long-term conflict, the command will take it up.
Construction plans, building plans for use in operational planning
Including orders for the assault unit to be ready to receive orders at all times.
Including the negotiation team that has selected leading quality personnel of the country.
Help reduce tension and support the situation of the perpetrator.
To prevent violence from happening all the time, this is considered a coordinated action.
In every sector, it is excellent, without any shortcomings.
In the early evening, the perpetrators changed their tactics.
By having some members change into patient uniforms
and civilian clothes to camouflage and blend in with the group of hostages.
The purpose is to make it difficult for snipers to detect.
And confirming the target makes it difficult for the task force to decide on a strategy.
Meanwhile, the media group saw the opportunity that the perpetrators had opened to report the news.
This also led to efforts by all sides in the area surrounding the hospital to compete for news coverage.
This has led to conflicts between the media and officials.
Because the authorities are also looking for an opportunity to stop the situation.
While the media tries to find new stories to update their news channels
And that allowed the perpetrators to track the movements of outside officers.
It can also make it harder for the task force to do their job.
No matter how much cooperation is requested from the media, we still have to divide our forces.
To prevent journalists from infiltrating too close to the hospital grounds
The place where the perpetrators had set up, where this kind of incident occurred many times throughout the night.
The situation became increasingly tense as the news was released.
One of the words of Lt. Cdr. Prasong Soonsiri, advisor to the Prime Minister, who gave an interview
The news said that the perpetrators would be dealt with decisively without leniency.
There is a story from one of the hostages that when the leader of the perpetrators, Mr. Prida,
When I saw this news on TV in the hospital, I was almost in tears and said,
"This time, it seems that he will not survive." And there was a clear expression of stress in his eyes.
Shortly after, the perpetrators moved the bomb.
Including claymore bombs from outside the parking lot into the building.
At that point, observers saw that the moved bomb could be dangerous.
The building and all hostages were connected.
As night fell, fatigue and stress began to take hold.
The detectives began to notice fatigue. The perpetrators were organizing
I took a break from work but I started to notice that I was feeling restless and talking incoherently.
Due to the accumulated stress and fatigue of the perpetrator.
The commanders began to disperse to hold secret meetings for specific groups.
Including ordering sniper units and task forces to be ready to respond at any second.
Before midnight, the perpetrators began to not cooperate with the negotiation team.
and has informed the negotiation team that they will end the negotiations tonight (23:30)
To rest and then talk about it the next day, but there may be contact.
In terms of requesting food and drinking water support every 1-2 hours
The task force decided to carry out an infiltration strategy into the area.
which is a combination of special operations teams consisting of officers from Arintharat Unit 26
and Naresuan 261 of the police and perform missions together with the soldiers of
Special Operations Task Force (Task Force 90) from the Special Warfare Command
Together with the bomb disposal team of the military engineers and the bomb disposal team of the police.
The initial plan was for all units to wear black uniforms with no insignia.
To camouflage themselves with their surroundings and slowly infiltrate the area.
Crawled quietly and carefully into position, awaiting operational orders.
Emphasis on speed and accuracy. Most importantly, there must be no injuries or deaths.
Except for the 10 lives of the terrorists
The operation plan is divided into three groups. The first group will perform the attack.
By surrounding the criminals 2 to 1 with a bomb squad.
The second group is responsible for sealing off the building and supporting operations.
If the bad guys manage to get out and the third group is blocking the outside,
Provide protection and support for the attack
The task force began the mission at 2:00 AM on January 25th by coordinating operations.
Collaborate with the negotiation team to talk to and respond to requests from the perpetrators' representatives.
Periodically bring in drinks or cigarettes to attract attention.
of the perpetrators and the media while all officers were infiltrating
Enter the area slowly, there are undercover detectives there from earlier.
Responsible for taking care of important areas of the building and preparing for emergencies
To help hostages escape safely during a conflict.
Including coordination with the assault operation team
In the latest request, the perpetrators requested that a radio communication device be prepared.
Helicopters and pilots to transport the perpetrators
and medical personnel to the border area of the God's Army group
But it turned out that the perpetrators also had problems communicating with the God's Army group.
This creates tension for the perpetrator and makes the situation worse.
But trouble began again at 3:00 AM while infiltrating the area.
There was a dog in the hospital area barking at the staff.
Infiltrating the area, causing all operations to come to a halt.
The perpetrator woke up with a start and came out to check for abnormalities, although he was lucky.
The operation team was not detected, but it made the perpetrators more cautious.
Make the task force decide to retreat to a nearby point to regroup.
Meanwhile, when they saw the abnormality, the reporters tried to spread the news.
In a manner that may reveal the officers' operational plans
This point even made Pol. Lt. Col. Chalong Sanjai, Commander of the Ratchaburi Provincial Police, interested.
Pol. Col. Sakchai Tanbun-ek, Superintendent of Ratchaburi Provincial Police Station
Col. Thaweewat Boonsingh (Sergeant Tum) of the Ratchaburi Provincial Military District
Even calling together representatives of the media to come together and talk.
To clarify the situation and request clear cooperation.
The content warns the media that attempts to disseminate information
What is unclear can create tension and cause danger.
To the perpetrators and hostages inside and inform them that
The current situation is that the perpetrators have suspended contact.
With the negotiation team to request a break, and for the officials
I will also take a break.
"I guess nothing will happen. Let's talk about it again tomorrow.
Many people want to take a nap, sit, lean on, or lie down.
"You can stretch your legs as you please."
When the media found out about this, they agreed to cooperate by distancing themselves.
Leave the hospital area and return to the designated normal area.
And with the silence of the night, all command and operation units were seen.
Switch to a ready position and relax and stretch your legs comfortably.
This leads to the belief that the situation will start to be updated again the following morning.
During this time, everyone should rest and recharge.
At 5:00 a.m., officials announced a gathering of the media.
Inside the tent to make an announcement explaining the morning's action plan.
and discuss together to make everything go smoothly
The media also cooperated by joining in to listen to the entire plan. 
But at 5:30, there was the sound of explosions and continuous shooting.
It occurred within the hospital premises while the staff vehicle was in
And police helicopters quickly invaded the area.
Even the media was unable to establish a basis for recording the incident.
As all the media are still gathered inside the tent
Everything went according to plan. The officers chose the right moment.
Where everyone is most exhausted and doesn't think anything will happen.
Rapidly attack through all channels, perform swift and decisive actions.
Causing the perpetrators and even the outside media to not be prepared
The sound of shooting and explosions followed by the commander's command.
The raids that come in waves
"Flow, flow, flow...don't stop. Keep going! "
The operation was swift and unpredictable, the perpetrators were caught by the authorities.
A quick-killing expert who has no chance of fighting back even with a gun.
Stay by their side with the efficiency of the task force, making the perpetrators
There was no chance to return fire or cause any further trouble.
The task force cleared the area point by point, taking out the perpetrators one by one.
There have been sporadic exchanges of fire recently, but the noise is gradually becoming quieter.
According to internal communications, a total of nine perpetrators have been killed.
Only one person is still missing, believed to be fleeing.
And at 6:15 the last perpetrator was detected and killed by the authorities.
The discovery was that the perpetrator chose to disguise himself as a bedridden patient.
and hope to infiltrate the area while transporting the hostages.
But when he felt that he was going to be searched, he grabbed his weapon and was killed by the officers.
The entire operation went smoothly, with eight officers injured.
No civilians were injured and all the perpetrators were killed. 
The government spokesman announced a statement to take responsibility.
Continue the operation in every case and confirm that all hostages are safe.
Along with explaining that the decision to carry out this operation was a mutual agreement.
of all officials responsible for this situation, which is considered an operational order
To show that we will not negotiate with terrorists, now or in the future.
And at 7:00 AM, Lt. Gen. Thaweep Suwannasingh held a press conference to close the clash situation.
Including coordinating for the engineering team to travel to the area to disarm the bomb.
and clear the area to safety before transporting people out of the hospital.
And at 11:30 the media was allowed to enter the area to listen and record images.
Results of operations and official announcement of the end of the situation
From the investigation, evidence found at the scene included:
-
The bodies of 10 perpetrators
-
M16 rifle ammunition holsters, 8 holsters
-
3 AK47 ammunition holsters
-
1 carbine ammunition holster
-
Seven M16 rifles
-
One 9 mm pistol
-
Two AK47 rifles
-
400 rounds of M16 ammunition
-
300 rounds of AK47 ammunition
-
12 shotgun shells
-
8 M67 grenades
-
8 M79 grenades
-
7 pods of fuses with detonators
-
M18A (CMO) mines, 1 unit
- Field equipment used on the battlefield, such as field canteens and field belts.
Combat boots, hat, camouflage suit, cleaver, iron scissors
and a number of Karen and Burmese language documents
"Is it excessive? The media's attacks on officials after the incident ended"
After the incident calmed down, many questions from various media outlets focused on
To the task force and those responsible, whether excessive force was used or not.
There have also been many observations about the perpetrators.
Regardless of the nature of the wounds, there were traces of gunshot wounds to the heads of all 10 corpses.
Including stories and tales that the perpetrators had announced their surrender since the beginning of the clash.
But he still could not escape the fate of being killed by special operations officers.
Ruthlessly, at this point General Surayud clarified the doubts on this matter as follows:
" "Confirmed that there was no surrender. No one said there was surrender at that time."
At that time, I was considered to have done my best as the incident commander.
The time when we decided to use force was around 1-2 a.m. when we thought we would have to use force.
Because one, we had been negotiating for a long time, and there was no sign of relenting. Second, if we waited until the next morning to attack with force, it would be impossible. In addition, the injured people, doctors, and nurses had already been through 24 hours. What would happen to them? The hospital director who was with them at that time also said, “Help… please do it because the hostages are all in a bad state. ”
Violent action may seem unusual for a peaceful country like Thailand.
But with the situation at work and many other things that are happening, we shouldn't give in.
Or allow yourself to be oppressed and oppressed forever, even if your actions become sinful.
But it is considered a sin that everyone is ready to accept because it is a sin for the people of the nation.
For the people who are being held hostage inside, for the people who are suffering, for the country. 
In addition, General Surayud also added to reveal his inner feelings that
“If one were to ask whether it is a sin or not, one would have to admit that
It is a sin, but that is a sin that soldiers must accept. As the commander of the incident, we must accept that it is a sin that we must accept. But it is an act for the country. We are not doing it for any one person, but for the majority of people who are unaware of what is happening, but have been taken hostage. Therefore, we must accept the sin by using force to take action.It’s easy to say… we should see who gives up, who doesn’t. Why do we have to use such violence? Isn’t there another way? It’s easy to say that, but I want to say that when we encounter a real situation, it’s not like in the movies. Because the moment of making a life-or-death decision like this is so small.”
If we criticize later, it would look easy, sound easy because there is no pressure. But the people who go up have a lot of pressure. Not only that, they must not let their opponents see them, but they must also get as close as possible so that everyone can see their target. It took almost 5 a.m. to get here, after going in at 2 a.m..”
“During the operation at that time, the team leaders controlled themselves. They asked each other if the top was ready or not, if the bottom was ready. We listened to them and heard the sound of the work all the time. It was normal to be anxious because there was concern that there would be losses, both for the workers and the hostages. At that time, we thought that we would do our best and try not to hurt anyone.”
This operation made a huge difference in perspective.
of neighboring countries and insurgent groups that are watching their behavior
and Thailand's actions after the Burmese embassy seizure
Which ended in compromise, showing that if pressure is applied too much,
Thai people are also ready to clash and deal with problems decisively.
After this incident, such incidents have not occurred again until now.
and free Thailand from being a target for insurgents
To choose to use the kindness or compromise of Thai people to take advantage.
Or oppress Thai people by using them as hostages to bargain for what they want. 
The defeat and failure of the operation to seize Ratchaburi Hospital
It also had a huge impact on the God Army because of the loss.
The leader of the perpetrators, who is considered an outstanding member of the God's Army.
This caused a loss of morale and the combat effectiveness continued to deteriorate from then on.
And there are rumors that ... the God's Army group just a few weeks after the incident
It was attacked by unknown forces, including the Burmese army.
Seriously suppressed until January 16, 2001, only 1 year ago
After the incident where the God Army invaded Ratchaburi Hospital, the twins who led the group
Luther and Johnny Two, along with 27 of their men, surrendered.
To the Thai authorities, it is a permanent end to the God's Army group....
And this is a story of courage, determination, and refusal to give in to oppression.
Of ill-wishers who will come to oppress and bully the peaceful Thai people.
Those who choose peace over violence, choose gentleness over harshness.
But if anyone chooses to use violence against Thai people, they will find out
The fearsomeness and determination of Thai people, as stated in one of the words of the Thai national anthem.
That we respect and proudly sing:
"Thais love peace, but when it comes to war, they are not cowardly. Independence will not be oppressed by anyone."
Source: BLOODY CLIMAX TO THAI HOSPITAL SIEGE
BY MYANMAR MILITANTS
Source: 'God Army' breaks God's rules, takes over Ratchaburi Hospital
Source: Flip the file, famous case, January 24, 2000, God Army invaded and took over Ratchaburi Hospital.
Source: Ratchaburi Studies, Record of important events: God Army invades Ratchaburi Hospital.
Source: 17 years ago, the famous case of "God's Army", General Surayud firmly stated "It is a sin that soldiers must accept"
Source: News across time: War of Life, God Army, Episode 1 [4 May 2015]
Source: News across time: War of Life, God Army, Episode 2 [11 May 2015]
Source: Got Army | True Story Through the Screen, September 7, 2017
Author / Arranged by: Ronnakrit " Viking " Sripumma
On January 27, 2022
