Bangkok, December 14th, 2025 – The Royal Thai Army announced on Sunday that its troops had captured multiple advanced Chinese-made GAM-102LR anti-tank guided missile systems from Cambodian positions on a contested hill in Ubon Ratchathani Province, marking a significant development in the ongoing border conflict between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.

The seizure occurred on Hill 500 (also referred to in some reports as Hill 677) at Chong An Ma, a strategic high ground in the disputed border area. Thai military sources stated that Cambodian forces appeared to abandon the sophisticated weapons during a Thai assault, possibly due to insufficient training or familiarity with the cutting-edge system.

The GAM-102LR, produced by China’s Poly Defense, is described as a fifth-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank missile with a reported range of 6 to over 10 kilometers, high-precision guidance, and multi-mode capabilities including top-attack profiles. Unveiled publicly earlier this year at international defense exhibitions, it features advanced infrared homing, man-in-the-loop options, and network-enabled targeting, making it one of the most modern portable anti-armor weapons available. Thai media outlets highlighted its recent introduction and estimated cost per missile at around 3.5 million baht (approximately $100,000), showing the material setback for Cambodian forces.

This capture comes amid renewed intense fighting along the 800-kilometer Thailand-Cambodia border, which reignited in early December after a fragile ceasefire brokered earlier in the year collapsed. The conflict, rooted in longstanding territorial disputes over ancient temples and surrounding land, most notably the Preah Vihear site, has seen artillery exchanges, airstrikes, and ground assaults, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians on both sides and claiming dozens of lives.

Thai reports stated that Cambodian troops initiated recent escalations, including the deployment of heavy Chinese-supplied weaponry such as PHL-03 multiple rocket launchers. In response, Thailand has conducted airstrikes and ground operations to neutralize threats. Cambodian authorities have denied provoking the violence and accused Thai forces of aggression, including incursions into their territory.

Military analysts note that Cambodia’s growing reliance on Chinese arms, including advanced systems like the GAM-102LR, reflects Beijing’s expanding influence in regional defense supplies. The abandoned missiles highlight potential challenges in training and integration for Cambodian units facing Thailand’s more diversified arsenal, which includes Western and domestic equipment.

As clashes continue despite international calls for restraint, including involvement from U.S. President Donald Trump in prior mediation efforts, both nations remain on high alert.