Questions arise as Cambodia reportedly hires foreign mercenaries to operate lethal drones. How prepared is Thailand's defense system? Reports highlight that Cambodia's PHL-03 multiple rocket launchers likely have yet to receive satellite codes from China, limiting their accuracy and effectiveness.
Following clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, reports have emerged about movements of various weapons and military equipment, raising concerns over security and civilian safety in the area. The use of drones, long-range rockets, and supporting devices is a key issue closely monitored by Thai security forces. Managing and controlling these systems involves complex technical and legal challenges, requiring coordinated efforts across multiple agencies. Legal restrictions and limited resources complicate planning and cooperation, necessitating careful and ongoing coordination at the border.
A high-ranking army source told Thairath Online's special news team that it is highly likely Cambodia has had to "hire foreign experts" to operate technologically complex drone systems. This is mainly because Cambodia lacks sufficient specialized domestic personnel and cannot produce or train forces quickly enough to meet urgent operational demands.
Experts are believed to come from the Russian region, as some Cambodians can communicate more easily about technical aspects of weapons control systems in that language. However, it is suspected that hiring these high-level personnel may involve unofficial financial channels that evade normal oversight procedures.
Regarding heavy weapons like the PHL-03 multiple rocket launcher, the high-ranking source revealed a limitation: this system depends on "satellite codes from China" for precise long-range targeting. Without these codes, the rockets are like arrows shot without a clear aim. Currently, it is believed Cambodia has not yet received satellite control codes from China, forcing them to operate the rockets manually, which lacks any accuracy.
Regardless of firing method, these rockets are difficult to control in terms of trajectory or limiting damage strictly to military targets, potentially causing civilian casualties on the Thai side.
Drone threats have become a major vulnerability for Thailand, with a senior source admitting the country is suffering a severe shortage of anti-drone equipment. Relevant agencies have discussed this need for over 3–4 years, but procurement has been delayed due to high budget costs and legal obstacles.
Anti-drone devices are classified as "military equipment," making acquisition procedures complex. For example, when China proposed installing anti-drone systems in Chonburi Province, the project was shelved due to these legal constraints. Thus, Thailand currently faces a situation akin to "having vehicles but no traffic controllers."
Concerns extend beyond procurement. The high-ranking source emphasized that even if Thailand obtains anti-drone devices, they do not guarantee 100% security. Modern military drones can "frequency hop" to evade signal interference, requiring expert engineers to adjust signals in real time—a costly process. After intervention, some drones may be disabled completely, while others might simply return to their base.
Regarding rumors that China has ceased arms supplies to Cambodia, the senior source said official confirmation is lacking. However, there are signs China may be displeased with Cambodia's attempts to balance power by engaging the United States, conflicting with China's regional security strategy. This could lead to uncertainty in China's future arms support.