Saluting the Heroic Legacy of “R.31 Gave Up” at Prasat Ta Kwai

The phrase "R.31 Gave Up" has emerged nationwide to honour the extraordinary sacrifice and bravery of Thailand’s Regiment 31, King’s Guard (R.31 รอ.) at Prasat Ta Kwai—a contested border temple between Thailand and Cambodia. This momentous event shortly before the ceasefire demonstrated unparalleled courage and devotion to the Thai flag and sovereignty

What Happened: The Legendary “Five Minutes”

In the final five minutes before the midnight deadline on 28 July 2025, marking the end of a Malaysia-mediated ceasefire agreement, soldiers from R.31 made a daring decision. They emerged from their bunker, exposing themselves deliberately to divert enemy drone detection. This bold move enabled Thai forces to shoot down the hostile drone, re-raise the Thai flag, and secure the temple—a territory long disputed with Cambodia

The valor encapsulated in the rallying cry “ยอมตาย ดีกว่าเป็นทาส” (“Would rather die than be enslaved”) became the unit’s solemn oath and national rallying cry

Meet Regiment 31, King’s Guard (R.31 รอ.)

Regiment 31, King’s Guard is a rapid deployment infantry unit based in Lopburi, under the First Infantry Division. Known for elite airborne capabilities and swift operational readiness, this unit combines parachute and air-assault training for fast-response missions across Thailand

Legacy and National Significance

The “five-minute” stand by R.31 is more than a battlefield victory—it is a symbol of national identity, courage, and sacrifice. Media coverage described it as a moment of unwavering patriotism, with widespread recognition across social platforms and news outlets throughout the day of 29 July 2025

Many viewers and commentators hailed the event as a modern legend—“a heart-stirring act worthy of reverence”—and emphasized how this deed will be passed down as historical legacy

The phrase “R.31 Gave Up” signifies a dramatic and selfless choice in the face of imminent danger—choosing to stand tall, even at the risk of life, to protect the Thai flag and homeland. This episode at Prasat Ta Kwai is a powerful chapter in Thailand’s modern history and serves as a living example of valor for generations to come.

Credit Picture : ศูนย์ประชาสัมพันธ์ กรมทหารราบที่ 31 รักษาพระองค์

References

1. MyContent-Thai. (2025, July 29). ร.31 ยอมแลก: วีรกรรมก่อนสิ้นเสียงปืนที่ปราสาทตาควาย. Retrieved from https://mycontent-thai.com/2025/07/29/ร-31-ยอมแลก

2. MyContent-Thai. (2025, July 29). รู้จัก “ร.31 รอ.” หน่วยจู่โจมสายฟ้าแลบแห่งกองทัพไทย. Retrieved from https://mycontent-thai.com/2025/07/29/ราบ31

3. PPTV HD 36. (2025, July 29). "ร.31 ยอมแลก" คำรบ 5 นาทีสุดท้ายแห่งประวัติศาสตร์. Retrieved from https://www.pptvhd36.com/news/สังคม/253631

4. TNN Thailand. (2025, July 29). วีรกรรม "ร.31" ที่ปราสาทตาควาย จุดเปลี่ยนการเจรจาเขตแดน. Retrieved from https://www.tnnthailand.com/tnnexclusive/206734