Thailand is ready to counter Cambodia's long range rocket threat

Thai Air Force is prepared to conduct deep‑strike defensive operations should Cambodia deploy heavy weaponry, such as its PHL‑03 multiple‑rocket launcher systems, which have a maximum range of 130 kilometres, an air force spokesman said today.

“We already have operational plans in place. The question is whether Cambodia intends to escalate. The air force can respond to any threat against Thailand’s sovereignty and civilian population,” said Air Marshal Chakkrit Thammavichai, who also serves as deputy air force chief of staff.

He was responding to a viral report claiming that Thai military surveillance had detected a satellite‑communications vehicle and support vehicles associated with Cambodia’s PHL‑03 300mm Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MRLS) moving into Kampong Thom province.

The Chinese‑made PHL‑03 is regarded as Cambodia’s longest‑range artillery rocket.

Defence analysts note that, if deployed directly along the border, it could theoretically reach several districts in Thailand’s northeastern and eastern regions, including parts of Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi and Trat.

The Cambodian military has, however, dismissed the reports as false.

Thai Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said the report on the weapon system was released to ensure the Thai public remains alert but not alarmed.

He noted that the PHL‑03’s long‑range capability makes it unlikely to be used in the current limited‑scale clashes near the border.

“In military terms, such a long‑range system offers little advantage in the present situation,” he said, adding that if Cambodia intended to use it, they would have already done so.

“Such a move would escalate the conflict beyond what is reasonable and would prompt Thailand to respond at a higher level.”

Maj Gen Winthai also said that the 2nd Army Region has contingency defence plans against this class of weapon but declined to provide operational details.

Thai military analysts say any use of the PHL‑03 would carry serious diplomatic and military consequences for Cambodia. “Using such a system would cause them significant harm on the world stage,” Winthai said in a television interview today.