On July 24th, tensions between Cambodia and Thailand erupted into full-scale military conflict, each accusing the other of initiating hostilities.
As the fighting intensified, Cambodia's military deficiencies in equipment and tactics became increasingly apparent. Thailand's air force deployed six F-16 fighter jets, launching precise strikes on Cambodia's 8th and 9th Support Division headquarters. The resulting explosions reduced these critical strongholds to rubble, plunging Cambodia's front-line command systems into chaos.
Despite Cambodia's swift counterattacks with rocket and field artillery towards Thai territories like Sisophon and Phum, Thailand's electronic warfare systems effectively disrupted Cambodian communications, leading to disjointed firepower coordination.
Seizing the opportunity, Thai ground forces initiated assaults. Their special forces demonstrated formidable combat capabilities, successfully storming the 550-meter-high Phnom Krapeu, severing Cambodia's logistical supply lines and leaving their forces in dire straits.
Due to aging equipment and operational challenges, some Cambodian units were forced to retreat under relentless drone and artillery bombardment by Thai forces, resulting in instances of abandoned weapons and ammunition.
Thai forces seized a substantial amount of Cambodian equipment on the battlefield, including Chinese-made LG4 40mm grenade launchers, Type 56-1 automatic rifles, and Type 69 rocket launchers. This loss not only weakened Cambodia's combat capabilities but also exposed vulnerabilities in their supply chain, making subsequent battles increasingly difficult.
In contrast, Thailand enjoyed superiority in equipment, boasting Chinese-manufactured 59D tanks, Ukrainian T-84 Oplot tanks, and Chinese VT-4 tanks that outmatched Cambodian forces in firepower and maneuverability, significantly restricting their movements on the battlefield.
By the evening of July 25th, Thailand's 2nd Military Region declared control over the strategically vital Phum Kuak Mountain, just 3 kilometers from Bayon Temple, becoming a crucial observation point for monitoring Cambodian movements.
By July 26th, Thai forces had crossed the border from five directions, securing approximately 75 square kilometers, including areas such as Phnom Krapeu and Wat Samawath.
Despite Cambodia's attempts to launch counteroffensives in some areas to reclaim lost territory, they struggled against sustained airstrikes from the Thai air force and the powerful advances of Thai ground armored units, failing to regain significant ground.
The catalyst for this conflict can be traced back to July 23rd when a Thai patrol near the Dhammakaya Temple triggered landmines, resulting in one soldier losing a leg. Thai authorities subsequently claimed to have discovered over 100 newly planted Russian PMN-2 landmines, accusing Cambodia of \"systematic mining\" threatening border stability and peace.
Cambodia's Ministry of Defense vehemently denied these accusations, labeling the landmines as a staged provocation by Thailand.
That night, Thai Acting Prime Minister Prut Tan urgently announced a triple retaliation, expelling the Cambodian ambassador, recalling their ambassador from Cambodia, and closing all border crossings, plunging diplomatic relations to an all-time low.
Cambodia's military prowess has historically excelled in jungle guerrilla tactics and artillery coverage. Since the era of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodian forces have honed their skills in jungle warfare, accumulating extensive experience in guerrilla warfare.
However, Thai forces effectively countered Cambodia's mountain and jungle tactics in this conflict. Initially avoiding deep jungle engagements, Thai forces concentrated on seizing disputed areas and entrenched positions, steadily advancing.
Thai's 2nd Military Region deployed dense troop deployments across the entire front line, denying Cambodian forces opportunities for jungle ambushes and guerrilla warfare.
Despite Cambodia's proficiency in guerrilla and ambush tactics, they had minimal chances to utilize these skills effectively, let alone conduct ambushes, hit-and-run attacks, or lay roadside bombs.
In the border trench warfare, Thai forces fully exploited their advantages in advanced weaponry, powerful firepower, and precise strike capabilities, putting Cambodian forces at a significant disadvantage.
Cambodian forces attempted counteroffensives, such as attacks on Highway 55, aiming to control Thailand's coastal Highway 3 and sever links between Southern Thailand's Surat Thani Province and other regions. However, Thai forces responded swiftly, dispatching naval vessels and Marine Corps to the battlefield, ultimately containing Cambodian advances.
Today, Cambodia finds itself in a precarious position, unable to launch effective offensives or maintain defensive lines against Thailand's overwhelming firepower. Reports suggest that Major General Dun Song Lyang, commander of Cambodia's 7th Infantry Division, was killed in action during Thai air strikes on the Cambodian front-line command headquarters, leaving Hun Sen and Hun Many in a leadership crisis.
Hun Many, Hun Sen's son, has close ties with the United States and even attended West Point Military Academy. The traditional Cambodian commanders, who excelled in jungle guerrilla tactics, may not understand the strategies of this West Point \"high-achiever.\"
In modern warfare, the military expertise and strategic vision of commanders are crucial. Cambodia's military has long relied on traditional guerrilla tactics, lacking research and experience in modern warfare strategies.
In contrast, Thai forces have undergone comprehensive modern training. Their special forces' capabilities in mountain assault warfare outshine even Cambodia's forces with decades of guerrilla warfare experience. The exceptional performance of Thai special forces in this conflict demonstrates their ability to neutralize guerrilla units.
The strategic importance of Phum Kuak Mountain allowed Thai forces to overlook the vast Cambodian inland plains, posing a significant threat to Cambodian military operations.
