Attack on Hill 469 is believed to be Cambodia's range-finding fire. Close attention is on potential new clashes, with terrain and bullet trajectories evaluated. Hill 745 is a vulnerable frontline hotspot.
The Thai-Cambodian border remains tense following an incident on 6 Jan 2024 at 07:25, when the 2nd Army Region's Facebook page reported that Cambodian forces violated the ceasefire by firing into Thai territory, injuring Thai soldiers. Security sources have assessed key strategic points along the border, noting that several areas remain high risk for clashes, especially hilly terrain that could become battlefields if the situation escalates.
Following the incident, security forces are closely assessing the border situation amid concerns that Cambodia's actions may not be accidental but rather signals of attempts to escalate tensions at certain strategic sites.
The Thai-Cambodian border area in question features complex mountainous terrain with several strategically important hills. Controlling these heights directly affects advantages in observation, fire support, and reinforcement deployment on the battlefield.
Thairath Online's special team consulted senior sources embedded with frontline troops about the situation and risks of further clashes. They revealed that Hill 745 is the most concerning point, as it hosts Thai frontline troops and lies near Cambodia's Hill 641. Cambodia might use Hill 641 as a base to launch attacks into Thai territory. However, Hill 641's elevation is lower than Hill 745. Meanwhile, Thailand is close to completing a road to access Hill 745.
A key concern is Hill 745's ability to support defense against Cambodian attacks, which depends largely on firing trajectories from roads. This raises the possibility that Cambodia is using fire to test or probe Thai defensive lines.
Geographically, Hill 745 is deep inland with a honeycomb-like structure, about 10 kilometers from the main road. Historically, Thailand had no road access there. Currently, Thai forces are at Phu Khok Yai, the end of the honeycomb ridge, approximately 7 kilometers from Hill 745. Reinforcements face difficulty because they must pass near Hill 641, a high-risk area.
Regarding the recent shooting of Thai soldiers at Hill 469, sources believe Cambodia intentionally provoked and tested Thailand’s response rather than initiating a full-scale attack.
Regarding the Prasat Ta Kwai battlefield, insiders noted that drone flights there must be at high altitudes. Without drone launch bases for bomb drops, it is believed Cambodia has yet to seize the area and would risk heavy losses. Drones not only drop bombs but also intercept and prevent Cambodian reinforcements. Compared to weapons like BM-21 or curved trajectory artillery, which can be evaded, drone attacks lock targets and strike nearly vertically, leaving little chance for cover or defense.
If Cambodia cannot send reinforcements or supplies, frontline troops can operate only one to two days before withdrawing. However, sources assess clashes are likely unavoidable but may not occur soon, as Cambodia is not yet prepared and remains at a disadvantage compared to Thailand.
Currently, the border situation remains fragile. Several strategic points are sensitive to military movements. Although no widespread clashes have occurred, recent events reflect ongoing tensions and risks of escalation if triggered by troop movements, weapon use, or misunderstandings. The situation’s future depends on each side's decisions, readiness, and the challenging terrain that limits operations along this border area.