Cambodian Forces Use Chinese Rocket Launchers in Strikes on Thailand
Cambodian military units have fired Chinese‑manufactured Type‑90B 122 mm and PHL‑03 300 mm multiple launch rocket systems across the contested border into Thailand, Thai officials confirmed in early December 2025. The use of these heavy rocket systems marks a significant escalation in hostilities along the long‑disputed frontier between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
Background on Border Tensions
Thailand and Cambodia have experienced periodic clashes along their shared boundary for decades, often rooted in disagreements over historical border demarcation. Most recently, fighting flared in mid‑2025, involving artillery exchanges and military movements on both sides. Prior accords called for withdrawal of heavy weapons near the border, but those agreements have broken down amid renewed combat.
The controversy over weapon deployments has drawn extensive attention. Thai authorities have raised alarms over the presence of sophisticated Chinese systems in Cambodian hands, including multiple launch rocket systems capable of striking deep into Thai territory. Cambodia has at times denied these claims, calling reports misleading or politically motivated.
Confirmed Rocket Launches
On December 8, Thailand’s government acknowledged it had verified footage and open‑source information showing Cambodian forces firing Type‑90B and PHL‑03 rockets into Thai border areas. Officials said local video evidence and independent analysis confirmed rocket trails and impacts beyond the frontier.
The Type‑90B is a 122 mm multiple launch rocket system with a high rate of fire and mobility. The PHL‑03 is a larger, 300 mm system with much greater range and destructive potential. Both are manufactured in China and have been part of Cambodia’s artillery inventory for several years.
Thai authorities described these rocket strikes as a serious threat to border security and civilian safety. In response, they reported operational measures to monitor and counter the use of these systems.
Regional Military Responses
The Thai military has publicly stated it can manage the threat posed by long‑range rocket systems. A spokesman for the Royal Thai Army noted that while Cambodia’s PHL‑03 launchers are capable weapons, they had not yet been used in long‑range strikes targeting deeper Thai territory at the time of the statement.
Thai air and ground forces have conducted operations aimed at disrupting the deployment and readiness of heavy weapons near the border. Reports from Thai media noted that Thai air missions struck weapons depots and command sites opposite contested border locations. Thai commanders have also warned they would destroy PHL‑03 systems if detected in forward firing positions.
Conversely, Cambodia’s defense ministry has dismissed claims of offensive use of long‑range launchers, characterizing them as false and intended to justify Thai military action. Phnom Penh officials have urged Bangkok to stop disseminating information they consider misleading.
Technical Profile: Chinese Rocket Systems in Use
The Type‑90B is a Chinese 122 mm multiple rocket launcher with a 40‑tube launcher mounted on a wheeled chassis. Its design emphasizes quick relocation and saturation fire support. The system’s mobility and rate of fire make it a core component of modern artillery brigades in several countries.
The PHL‑03 is a heavy 300 mm multiple launch rocket system with a substantially longer range. Its rockets can reach areas well beyond immediate border zones, making it a strategic tool in artillery engagements. The PHL‑03’s extended reach and payload options have prompted specific concern from neighboring militaries when deployed near sensitive borders.
Impact and Strategic Implications
The confirmed use of these systems highlights the growing intensity of the Thai‑Cambodian border conflict. The presence of advanced Chinese‑made launcher systems underscores China’s influence in regional arms supplies and the shifting balance of military hardware among Southeast Asian states. Cambodia’s acquisition and deployment of such systems have been a point of contention in bilateral relations with Thailand.
For Thailand, the threat from long‑range rocket artillery has prompted defensive posturing and cross‑border operations. Sustained use of these weapons could increase civilian risk and draw broader international concern. Observers say that continued escalation might compel greater foreign diplomatic engagement or pressure within ASEAN frameworks to rein in hostilities.
Looking Ahead
The situation along the Thailand‑Cambodia border remains fluid. Both sides have engaged in military activity even as leaders and mediators seek avenues for de‑escalation. Continued monitoring of rocket deployment and usage will be key to understanding how the conflict evolves and what measures might reduce harm to civilians and regional stability.
