The Thai military announced on 15/12 that it had seized a significant number of 5th-generation guided anti-tank missiles from Cambodian forces. This occurred after Thai troops assaulted and gained control of two strategic highlands, Hill 500 and Hill 677, in the Chong An Ma border area.

Battalion 2 of Thailand's 17th Infantry Regiment, the unit that attacked Hill 500, later released photos of the intact weapons seized. These included control launchers, GAM-102LR anti-tank missiles, 82 mm Type 65 recoilless rifles, Norinco PF-89 shoulder-fired anti-tank launchers, and various types of ammunition.

GAM-102LR anti-tank missiles seized by Thailand on Hill 500 on 15/12. Photo: Thai Enquirer

GAM-102LR anti-tank missiles seized by Thailand on Hill 500 on 15/12. Photo: Thai Enquirer

All equipment has been handed over to experts for inspection and assessment. The Thai military stated it would decide on the disposal method for these weapons after completing operational duties.

The Cambodian Ministry of Defense has not mentioned the lost weapons in its situation updates on 15/12 and the morning of 16/12.

The GAM-102LR anti-tank missile, manufactured by China's Poly Defence company, debuted earlier this year. It is the most modern variant in the GAM-10X missile series developed by China. Military analysis site Defence Blog estimates each missile costs approximately 112,000 USD and can strike targets up to 10 km away.

The system employs a "fire-and-forget" principle, allowing the missile to autonomously track and engage targets after launch. It also features a lock-on-after-launch mode, and the operator can intervene and change targets during the missile's flight.

Some Western experts suggest the GAM-102LR adopts operational principles from the US-developed FGM-148 Javelin series, particularly its top-attack capability and fire-and-forget mode. However, the GAM-102LR is considered a distinct design, reflecting China's efforts to deploy precision-guided weapons for infantry.

Norinco PF-89 shoulder-fired anti-tank launcher at the scene. Photo: Thai Enquirer

Norinco PF-89 shoulder-fired anti-tank launcher at the scene. Photo: Thai Enquirer

Thailand reported today that at least 17 soldiers have died since the conflict re-erupted on 7/12, while Cambodia stated 12 civilians have died and did not disclose military casualties. Hundreds of thousands of Thais and Cambodians living along the border have been forced to leave their homes for temporary shelters.

By Thanh Danh (Source: Nation, Thai Enquirer, Thai PBS, Fresh News)