Thai Air Force Ready to Counter Cambodian Long‑Range Rocket Threat
BANGKOK – The Royal Thai Air Force has stated it is prepared to launch deep‑strike defensive operations if Cambodia deploys its long‑range PHL‑03 multiple‑rocket launcher systems, which have a maximum range of 130 kilometers. Air Marshal Chakkrit Thammavichai, deputy air force chief of staff and spokesman, affirmed today that operational plans are already in place to respond to any escalation.
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“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,” he said.
The statement came in response to widely circulated reports that Thai military surveillance had detected satellite‑communication and support vehicles linked to Cambodia’s Chinese‑made PHL‑03 system moving into Kampong Thom province. The PHL‑03 is considered Cambodia’s longest‑range artillery rocket system.
Defence analysts note that if deployed near the border, the system could potentially strike districts across several Thai provinces, including Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The Cambodian military has denied the reports as false.
Clear and present danger: Amid the ongoing clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, the Royal Thai Army detected the deployment of PHL-03 long-range multiple rocket launchers in Cambodia's Kampong Thom province on Wednesday. If Cambodia uses the PHL-03, it could hit a number of… pic.twitter.com/9V3nkiSHdr
— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) December 11, 2025
Thai Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said the information was shared to keep the public vigilant but not alarmed. He suggested the PHL‑03 is of limited tactical value in the current border clashes and that its use would mark a significant escalation.
“In military terms, such a long‑range system offers little advantage in the present situation,” Maj. Gen. Winthai 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.”
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He confirmed that the 2nd Army Region has contingency defence plans against such weapons but declined to disclose operational details. Military analysts emphasized that any deployment of the PHL‑03 would carry serious diplomatic and strategic consequences for Cambodia, potentially isolating it internationally.
-Thailand News (TN)
