Loss of a Ranger: Pee Jai

Pee Jai.

It is with deep sorrow and gratitude that we remember Ranger Pee Jai, a faithful servant, teammate, and brother who gave his life in service to others while completing swim training with the Rangers.

Ko Paing Thu Linn (also known as Pee Jai) officially joined the Free Burma Rangers Dooplaya team on November 4, 2023. Immediately upon his arrival, he joined an FBR mission which was supporting the resistance's efforts to capture the Annan Kwin tactical command post. Despite being new to FBR at the time, he courageously ventured to the front lines, documenting events and assisting in reporting daily intelligence to headquarters. He quickly grasped the core operations of the FBR and gave his utmost support to the team.

I first met Pee Jai shortly after he had joined our team in support of the humanitarian work of the Free Burma Rangers. From the beginning, he stood out, not because he sought attention, but because of his character. He was intelligent and well-educated, always carrying a warm smile and a steady, positive attitude no matter the circumstances.

Whether he was singing and dancing with children at a Good Life Club or treating and evacuating wounded civilians and soldiers from the front lines, Pee Jai served with humility, joy, and excellence. He was truly an all-star Ranger, deeply loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Pee Jai tends to a wounded Ranger.

In his spare time, he used his passion for painting to raise funds for the revolution. Known for his cheerful personality, Pee Jai was a deeply empathetic individual who always showed great kindness toward his fellow teammates.

Over the years, Pee Jai attended every Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training held in Dooplaya District, consistently excelling each time. He was often the last one to leave, staying behind to practice and improve his skills. It was clear to all of us that he was driven, not for recognition, but by a genuine desire to help anyone in need.

After several years of faithful service in Dooplaya District, Pee Jai agreed to further develop his abilities by joining our three-month Ranger Leadership Training. On September 13, 2025, driven by his commitment to becoming the best Ranger he could be, Pee Jai set out to attend the FBR training in Mu Traw District. Once again, he rose to the occasion. He excelled in combat medicine, leadership, and land navigation, earning the respect of his peers and serving as a team leader during the course.

Tragically, while pursuing his training and service, he drowned while completing the swimming portion of Ranger training, on December 17, 2025, at approximately 3:00pm.

Pee Jai’s death has filled our hearts with sorrow. Yet we are also profoundly thankful for the opportunity to have known him, served alongside him, and to have witnessed his unwavering smile, courage, and willingness to surrender his life for others. Pee Jai lived as he served: humbly, faithfully, and with love. His legacy will continue in the lives he touched, the Rangers he trained beside, and the people he gave everything to help. He will never be forgotten.

Pee Jai with his team.

Dave Eubank shared his feelings about Pee Jai. "He was always cheerful and helpful. The day before he died, we were talking about how happy he was to be part of this training. Some of our team had just left the training to respond to Burma Army fighting south of our camp, and it was not until we got there that we heard the news. He is very missed and loved by all here (at training camp). He was one of the most talented young people to ever join us, and we will do our best to live and do our missions in honor of him and his sacrifice. Pee Jai is awarded the achievement medal, the wounded cross, and the medal of honor. We thank God that we do have a hope in heaven with Jesus and that we will see Pee Jai again."

Here is a poem written by Dave's daughter, Suuzanne, about the loss of Pee Jai.

Roll Call

It was a quieter roll call today,

Someone seemed to forget your name.

We formed up like we always do,

I saved a seat next to me for you.

I sat in devotions on that cold winter day,

But the chill of the morning seemed thick with decay.

The sun shining down was blocked with a haze,

A dark cloud of sadness, we all feel the weight.

We all sit in silence, feeling the loss,

Your presence is still here

Just your body lost.

This roll call we still hear your name so loud

Though no one is making a sound.

To Jesus I’ll mourn and cry for you

And in roll call in heaven I’ll stand next to you. 

The loss of Pee Jai has had a deep impact on our teams. Please join us in praying for the family of Pee Jai as they mourn his passing and celebrate his life.

Thanks and God bless you,

The Free Burma Rangers.