The Thailand–Cambodia border dispute spans more than 800 kilometers and centers on undemarcated terrain, including temple complexes and elevated ground.

Clashes intensified in July 2025, briefly paused under a U.S.-backed ceasefire, and resumed in early December amid mutual accusations of violations.

Hill 500 and Tactical Gains

The Royal Thai Army announced that its troops seized multiple Chinese-produced GAM-102LR anti-tank guided missiles during combat around a contested position known as Hill 500, also referred to as Hill 677, near the Chong An Ma pass in Ubon Ratchathani Province.

The engagement took place on December 14, 2025, as Thai units overran a fortified Cambodian position, forcing defending troops to retreat and abandon equipment.

Thai military statements described the capture as both a tactical and intelligence gain.

By denying Cambodian forces access to advanced anti-armor weapons, Thai commanders said the operation reduced immediate battlefield risk while allowing analysts to study the system’s capabilities and deployment methods.

“A Significant Intelligence Gain”

Photos and video released by the Thai army showed shoulder-launched missile tubes, tripods, and associated targeting equipment.

Officials emphasized that intact components were recovered, increasing their value for technical assessment.

The army characterized the GAM-102LR seizure as notable because it marked the first confirmed operational use of the system by Cambodia. No evidence was presented of successful missile strikes against Thai armored vehicles during the fighting.

GAM-102LR Capabilities

The GAM-102LR is a long-range, fifth-generation anti-tank guided missile produced by China’s Poly Technologies.

It is a man-portable, fire-and-forget system broadly comparable in concept to the U.S.-made Javelin.

According to defense assessments cited in regional reporting, the missile uses an uncooled infrared seeker, features top-attack capability, and has an estimated range of between 6 and 10 kilometers.

Its penetration is assessed at roughly 1,000 millimeters of rolled homogeneous armor behind explosive reactive armor.

The system can be shoulder-fired or mounted on tripods or vehicles, with an estimated unit cost of approximately $100,000 to $112,000 per missile.

Arms Balance and Regional Implications

Cambodia’s forces rely heavily on Chinese-supplied weapons, including rockets and multiple-launch rocket systems, while Thailand fields a mixed inventory that includes U.S.-supplied F-16 fighter jets, Chinese VT-4 main battle tanks, and Western systems.

Observers noted that the absence of confirmed GAM-102LR hits may reflect limited operator experience rather than technical shortcomings.