Dozens of Royal Thai Marines’ wives, whose husbands are stationed in Thailand’s strife-ridden southern provinces, wrapped 3,500 New Year’s presents to send to loved ones along with wishes to come home safely and soon.
Rear Adm. Sompong Sangsuwan, commander in chief of the Marine Corps, and Panpilai Sangsssuwan, advisor to the Marine Corps Wives Club, presided over the Dec. 16 wrapping session at Marine headquarters at Camp Jetsada in Sattahip.
Royal Thai Marines’ wives wrap presents for their husbands stationed in the South.
Sompong praised the service and sacrifices of marines and Buddhist victims of the violence in three southern provinces where a Muslim separatist movement has resulted in the death of more than 7,000 locals and hundreds of military personnel since 2004.
Panpilai said the gifts of handkerchiefs and sweets weren’t much, but they carried the hopes and wishes of family members worried about their enlisted loved ones.
Dressed in matching pink Marine Corps shirts, the wives packed up the gifts, united by a spirit of unity and patience. Panpilai said the women missed their husbands, but realized that their service was necessary.
