JUBA – A repaired road means more than an easier journey. It means humanitarian aid reaches vulnerable people in need, farmers get produce to market, families can access essential services, and communities can connect for peacebuilding.
For Thai peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), engineering is an important part of protecting civilians and creating conditions for peace.
A total of 257 members of the Thai Horizontal Military Engineering Company, including 27 women peacekeepers, were awarded the prestigious United Nations Medal in recognition of their service to peace and stability in South Sudan.
“The United Nations Medal is more than a formal recognition. It honors your service, your sacrifice, and your dedication in a demanding operational environment. It also represents your contribution to the United Nations and to our collective efforts to advance peace and stability,” stated Major General Junhui Wu, UNMISS Force Commander.
Since their deployment, the Thai contingent has helped expand Juba International Airport, maintain and rehabilitate 241 kilometres of main supply roads, and deliver numerous engineering projects across the country.
The impact extends beyond infrastructure. By keeping key routes open, peacekeepers help communities, humanitarian workers, and those travelling for trade and peacebuilding move more safely, while helping restore essential services disrupted by conflict.
“We have also applied our engineering capabilities to support local communities, including renovating court facilities and the improvement of sanitation infrastructure. We have also shared agricultural knowledge and practice inspired by Thailand’s sufficiency economy philosophy, with the aim of promoting food security and creating cultivatable land to improve the quality of life for the people of the Republic of South Sudan,” explained Lieutenant Colonel Harun Taienkrob, Thai HMEC Commander.
Their contribution goes beyond engineering. The Thai peacekeepers have helped build trust and strengthen relationships with the people they serve.
“You have engaged with local communities, supported schools and sanitation facilities, shared knowledge, and helped strengthen the relationship between United Nations peacekeepers and the people of South Sudan,” said Brigadier General Shishir Bhardwaj, UNMISS Sector South Commander.
The commander also highlighted the long hours, difficult conditions and personal sacrifices behind the contingent’s service under the UN flag.
As the Thai peacekeepers prepare to return home, they leave behind more than infrastructure: safer access, stronger community resilience, and a meaningful contribution to lasting peace in South Sudan.
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By Martin Mariaka
