KOREA FOUNDATION

Special Feature 

Reflections on visiting Korea’s Thai Memorial and Thai Buddhist temple 

On June 21, 1972, the United Nations Command (which was based in Yongsan at the time) hosted a ceremony for the official withdrawal of the last Thai infantry forces stationed in Korea (led by Major Euaamsak Chulacharitta). Major Euaamsak Chulacharitta, the last leader of Thai troops in Korea, is the son of General Boriboon Chulacharitta, who was the commander of the 21st Infantry Regiment’s 1st battalion. Twenty-two years after the father led the first group of Thai troops to Korea, the son was overseeing the withdrawal of the last. In addition to being a touching testament to a family’s history of military service in a foreign country, this shows just how long the Thai armed forces stayed in South Korea.  

  Thailand was the first Asian country and second only to the United States in announcing its intent to send troops to fight in the Korean War. Thailand sent soldiers from its army, navy, and air force and suffered 136 casualties, 1,139 injuries, and five MIAs during the war. Despite these losses, Thai troops made significant contributions to the Battle of Pork Chop Hill, which began on November 1, 1952. Pork Chop Hill’s altitude was just 234 meters but nevertheless it represented a strategic location because of the need to take control of it in order to keep back enemy troops, both North Korean and Chinese. After blocking three waves of enemy attacks, which included hand-to-hand combat and fighting back a counteroffensive, the Thai army achieved victory by managing to protect the hill. The Thai troops fighting in the Korean War are also known as “Little Tigers,” a nickname given to the 21st Infantry Regiment for their bravery by General James Van Fleet. 

   At the foot of the mountains of Munam-ri, in Pocheon City (the last garrison of Thai troops), lies the “Thai Memorial.” The Thai Memorial was built to commemorate the service of the Thai army in the Korean War and honor all Thai soldiers who gave their lives. The memorial is shaped like a rifle’s butt plate (to symbolize war) and includes a statue of a soldier and a civilian with their arms around each other’s shoulders.  

   In a quiet spot about 50 meters to the right of the memorial is a small Thai-style Buddhist temple that houses a seated Buddha statue. Built in 1994 to celebrate the 50th year of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s reign, the temple appeases the souls of Thai soldiers who sacrificed their youth in a strange land for the sake of freedom and peace. Standing before the temple itself makes one feel as if one is in a miniature version of Thailand, which is not surprising when you consider that the temple was constructed with materials imported from Thailand and in close imitation of traditional Thai architectural styles. 

   This year marks the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. This date may be made even more meaningful by a visit to the Thai Memorial and Buddhist temple in Pocheon to remember those who voluntarily fought and gave their lives in a country they otherwise had no connection to.