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In 2025, Thailand found itself facing a situation it had not desired but could not escape. Protecting its independence came with a personal toll.

From December 8 to December 27, 27 Thai military personnel died in conflicts near the Thai-Cambodian border. A significant number were injured. Although their names might not be found in historical texts as figures of influence or status, collectively, they represented the pivotal event of the year through their sacrifice in protecting the country.

Because of this, the Bangkok Post honors the deceased soldiers, the injured, and every member of the military who participated in protecting and restoring Thailand’s claimed territorial boundaries as its Person of the Year 2025.

The individual named Person of the Year has never focused on fame or power. It is about honoring those who most deeply influenced the nation’s situation. This year, that situation was not shaped by speeches, meetings, or financial data, but by grief and by responsibilities fulfilled under extreme pressure.

By recognizing a group instead of one person, the Bangkok Post aims to highlight a reality that has become evident this year. The responsibility for national security is not solely on institutions, but also on individuals who face danger, frequently without acknowledgment, and occasionally without coming back.

This title is not meant to celebrate conflict or present loss as something heroic. The passing of the 27 soldiers are not emblems of victory. They are misfortunes affecting everyone involved, each one signifying a family changed forever, a life ended prematurely, and a cost borne by society as a whole.

At the same time, their service, along with that of those who were injured and those still on duty, requires recognition based on respect and self-control. Acknowledging them does not mean supporting war, but rather emphasizing that the human price of protecting sovereignty should never be ignored or made impersonal.

Over many years, the Person of the Year reflects changes fueled by ambition, creativity, impact, and authority. In 2025, it is shaped by perseverance, accountability, and selflessness.

These warriors did not pursue fame. Nevertheless, their deeds and sacrifices became more representative of the year than any governmental choice or well-known individual.

By acknowledging them together, the Bangkok Post highlights a straightforward yet crucial idea: the lives of those who safeguard the country are significant, and their sacrifices should be documented with sincerity, modesty, and dignity.

As the year comes to an end, this acknowledgment serves not as an ending, but as a reminder of the price of independence, the burden of responsibility, and the real people behind the concepts of national security.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).