Phnom Penh: One of the Cambodian heroic soldiers wore no bulletproof vest or military uniform, took off his shirt, dressed in ordinary shorts and a hat, had a cigarette in his mouth, and held only a long gun (AK rifle) and an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade), but fired fearlessly at the Thai military, who used heavy and modern weaponry such as American-made F-16 jets, Swedish-made Gripen JAS-39 jets, bomb-dropping drones, suicide drones, cluster munitions, artillery, and poisonous chemical smoke. 

The sound of explosions from the fighting between both sides was heard throughout the fight zones, but this Cambodian heroic warrior maintained his fighting spirit without showing any signs of shock. Sometimes he wore shoes (rubber slippers) and sometimes he took them off. Videos showing his heroism and bravery spread on social media.

Many people, including foreigners, called him Khmer Rambo or Real Rambo. If you type the words 'Khmer Rambo' or 'Real Rambo' on social media, you will see many videos of him. Furthermore, some foreign media have also released videos of him. His bravery has made him famous beyond Cambodia.

Social media users who know him claimed his name is Mao Nol and he has been a soldier for many years. They said that, recently, he is only a chief warrant officer (below second lieutenant).

Many Khmer social media users consider him a heroic soldier and call on the Royal Government or Ministry of Defense to promote his rank for his bravery in fighting the enemy without fear of losing his life.

Actually, during five days of fighting with Thai forces, all Cambodian frontline soldiers showed their courage, fought without retreating, and stood firm with no fear of death. They should all be considered heroes; it’s just that we have not seen their combat actions and bravery.