Thai troops seize Chinese-made guided anti-tank missiles at Mount 677

Thai troops have seized a number of Chinese-made portable guided anti-tank missiles, after capturing the Mount 500 hilltop base, at the Chong An Ma border pass in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani, from Cambodian forces.

The ‘Army Military Force’ website reports that the captured missiles have been identified as being of the 5th generation GAM-102LR type, which had not been used in combat to date.

Inspired by the US-made FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile, the GAM-102R were produced by the Poly Defense Company, which is affiliated with Poly Technologies Group, a major Chinese arms manufacturer. The missiles were exhibited for the first time at the annual EDEX arms exhibition in Egypt this year.

Each anti-tank missile, which weighs 52kg and costs about 3.53 million baht, is a “fire and forget” guided missile, meaning that it requires no further input after launch. They can be used not only against tanks, but also reinforced structures, such as bunkers.

Meanwhile today, the Second Army Region reported the death of Sgt-Maj. Abhisit Bunnag, a medic attached to the 11th Infantry Battalion of the 16th Infantry Regiment, on the Phu Makua battle front in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket. The soldier was hit by shrapnel from Cambodian BM-21 rocket.

He becomes the 16th Thai soldier to be killed by Cambodian forces since December 8th.

In Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket today, the district chief officer, Somkuan Singkham, ordered all inhabitants of seven sub-districts to evacuate immediately to shelters or safer areas, or face a fine and/or imprisonment.

The order described Sao Thong Chai, Lalai, Rung, Cham, Phupha Moke, Bung Malu and Non Samran sub-districts as being at high risk as fighting escalates.