File image.
The Thai military has begun to use grenade-dropping multirotor drones in the ongoing clashes with the Cambodian military.
The clashes broke out on July 24 morning following tensions over mine explosions that wounded several Thai troops in the Thai province of Ubon Ratchathani. The violence began at the ancient, disputed Ta Muen Thom temple site in the Thai province of Surin, which was claimed by Cambodia, before spreading out to other border areas.
The situation escalated after the Cambodian military fired Grad 122 mm rockets at a gas station in the town of Ban Phue in the Thai province of Sisaket. The Thai Health Ministry said that at least 11 civilians were killed.
In response, F-16 fighter jets of the Thai air force attacked two Cambodian regional military headquarters. Video footage showing one of the strikes was posted to social networks.
Later in the day, another video showing Thai grenade-dropping multirotor drones attacking weapons stashes and posts of the Cambodian military disputed border areas surfaced online. This marked the first use of drones in the ongoing conflict.
Cambodia’s powerful former leader Hun Sen, who ruled the country for almost 40 years before stepping down in 2023 and handing power to his son Hun Manet, said that the country had “no choice but to fight back” against Thailand.
“The invasion, as the Thai military said it would close down the Ta Moan Thom Temple today, which was ordered yesterday, Thai soldiers have now begun attacking the Cambodian army,” Hun Sen said on Facebook. “The Cambodian army has no choice but to fight back and strike back.”
In a later post, Hun Sen said he was participating in the military command via video link, following reports that he had left Cambodia for China.
“I have been sitting here since the Thai 2nd Region Commander said he would close the entrance to Ta Moan Thom Temple,” Hun Sen said, specifically blaming the Thai commander for the escalation.
“Please, fellow Cambodians, don’t panic, like rushing to buy rice, or hoarding goods, or selling goods at higher prices, etc.,” said the former leader and father of current Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that there will be no talks with Cambodia until fighting along the border ends.
The acting premier said there had been no declaration of war and that conflict was not spreading into more provinces, according to Reuters. He added that Cambodia had fired heavy weapons into Thailand without clear targets, leading to civilian deaths.
China, which enjoys good relations with both Thailand and Cambodia, has already offered to mediate. Nevertheless, the situation will likely get worse before any real de-escalation. When it comes to military power, Thailand has the upper hand, especially when it comes to air power. Still, Cambodia is not short on troops.
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