Latest news with #PHL-03
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Bangkok Post
Travellers get cold feet over skirmishes
Despite the long holiday, operators in Chanthaburi and Nakhon Ratchasima reported a surge of room cancellations as tourists were concerned about the border dispute, including fears over Cambodia's PHL-03 rocket launcher, which has a range of up to 130 kilometres from the border. Poompat Tangcharoensiri, president of the Chanthaburi Tourism Association, said bookings during the previous long weekend had a 30-40% cancellation rate, even though most hotels and tourist attractions remained open under martial law. He said tourists were hesitant to visit the province until there were clear signs of easing tensions, especially after news circulated on social media about Cambodia's long-range rocket launcher, which could target inner provinces such as Rayong. Domestic tourists still travelled, but they chose alternative destinations with similar attractions, such as Pattaya and Chon Buri, which are closer to Bangkok, said Mr Poompat. He estimated bookings during the upcoming Mother's Day national holiday in two weeks could drop by 20% year-on-year due to the border tensions. Mr Poompat urged the government to clearly communicate to locals and tourists on what they should or shouldn't do under martial law in order to avoid panic. He said popular beach destinations in Chanthaburi are located 50-60km from the Thailand–Cambodia border, and the Ban Laem checkpoint in the province remains open for Cambodians returning to their home country. Mr Poompat said once the situation improves, the government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand should introduce special measures to assist operators in border provinces who have lost income, in addition to the existing domestic co-payment scheme. In the first five months of the year, tourism revenue in Chanthaburi declined by 500 million baht year-on-year due to the weak economy, and it is expected to plunge further for the remainder of the year, he said. Rungroj Santadvanit, president of the lower northeastern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, said even though Nakhon Ratchasima is not a border province, it also recorded cancellations from both business and leisure travellers. Several meetings and parties were cancelled because they were expecting guests from the Northeast, including border provinces directly affected by the dispute. Some guests inquired about safety due to concerns over potential rocket attacks. Popular leisure destinations like Khao Yai saw lower than expected bookings, with average occupancy falling to 50%, compared to the typical 70–90% during long holidays, said Mr Rungroj. He said hotels in Korat and Khao Yai still had bookings from visitors who travelled to border provinces for business or personal reasons, but preferred not to stay overnight in those areas. Meanwhile, some hotels in Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani reported full cancellations. "Operators want peace and for the situation to be resolved as soon as possible," said Mr Rungroj. "The longer the dispute continues, the greater the risk that hotels in border provinces may be forced to temporarily close." He suggested in addition to the Finance Ministry's planned tax incentives to stimulate tourism during the low season, public and government agencies should be encouraged to use their budgets to hold meetings in upcountry areas.
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Cambodia escalates border attacks with heavy weapons, cyber warfare: Thai military
Cambodia has intensified its attacks along the Thai border, deploying additional troops, launching artillery strikes, and using cyber tactics, according to a report from Thailand's Second Army Region. The military region, which oversees the northeastern provinces, released an update on the border situation from Sunday night through noon on Monday. It stated that Cambodia had used BM-21 multi-barrel rocket launchers to strike several locations, including Hill 677, Phu Phee, Pha Mor E-Daeng, Phra Wiharn and Phu Makhuea. Movements of PHL-03 rocket launchers were also observed at Samraong Airport in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province, which borders Thailand's Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket and Surin provinces. In response, Thai forces returned fire at strategic targets near the Chong Bok and Chong An Ma crossings, as well as around the Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temple ruins. Heavy fighting broke out in areas around Chong An Ma, Phu Phee, and Phu Makhuea, leaving several Thai soldiers injured. Cambodian troops have taken firm control of the Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temple ruins in Surin and continue to reinforce their positions there. Additional Cambodian forces were deployed, and in some instances, reports said they mistakenly fired on each other in the Chong An Ma and Pha Mor E-Daeng areas. The Second Army Region warned that intense clashes are expected to continue in the areas of Chong An Ma, Phu Makhuea, Phu Phee, Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom. During area surveys for troop positioning, Thai soldiers also discovered Cambodian landmines. In a further escalation, Cambodian hackers attempted to breach the computer systems of Thai government agencies, the report added. Meanwhile, 28 Cambodian rockets struck villages in Ban Kruat district of Buri Ram and Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket, injuring two people and killing one. At 4.30pm on Sunday, Thailand repatriated the bodies of 12 Cambodian nationals who were killed in fighting at Phu Makhuea. The transfer was carried out on humanitarian grounds, the Second Army Region said.
Bangkok Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thai army urges calm amid Cambodian long-range rocket talk
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has urged the public to remain calm following widespread reports that Cambodia may deploy long-range rocket launchers capable of striking targets within a 130-kilometre radius. The army said there is no confirmation regarding the location or likelihood of such deployment. Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said the reports stem from unverified intelligence and there is currently no indication of any deployment or targeting of PHL-03 rocket launchers. His remarks came in response to social media warnings issued to residents in several northeastern provinces, including Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Buri Ram, as well as parts of Yasothon, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Citizens were urged to stay alert and follow the news. In response, the Royal Thai Air Force deployed F-16 and Gripen fighter jets to neutralise artillery positions near the Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temple areas.
The Star
5 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Royal Thai Army reports Cambodian shelling outside military zones, vows to respond to threats
BANGKOK: The Royal Thai Army has revealed that Cambodian forces have launched attacks into Thai territory, specifically targeting areas outside military zones. The army stressed its readiness to respond to any further aggression, affirming that its operations will focus solely on military targets that pose threats to national security, civilian lives, and property. The official announcement stated as follows: On Sunday (July 27), Major General Winthai Suvaree (pic), Army spokesperson, addressed the latest situation, stating that Cambodia continues its military activities by employing long-range weapons and firing into Thai territory. Continuous clashes have occurred at multiple points along the front lines, with numerous long-range support weapons landing outside their intended military target areas in Surin province. Thailand therefore finds it necessary to conduct military operations in response to the continued firing of long-range support weapons such as rockets and artillery that persist in targeting Thai territory to prevent civilian casualties or losses. On Saturday (July 26), at approximately 3.30pm, Cambodian artillery shells targeted the Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital at Ban Sam Meng, Village 3, Sao Thong Chai sub-district, Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket province, causing severe damage to the building structure. However, there were no fatalities or injuries, as medical personnel had previously evacuated patients from the facility. Furthermore, intelligence reports indicate potential deployment of high-performance weapons systems such as PHL-03, RM 70, and BM-21 that may provide additional support to Cambodian forces. This may reflect Cambodia's stance, which Thailand cannot yet trust. According to the latest situation, Cambodian forces have not ceased their attacks using all forms of weaponry against Thai forces. The Royal Thai Army will operate at full capacity to counter this aggression and reaffirms its continued focus on military targets that pose military threats and endanger the lives and property of our fellow citizens only, within the appropriate framework of international rules of engagement, to protect and maintain sovereignty to the best of our ability. - The Nation/ANN
Bangkok Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Cambodia continues to attack Thailand while claiming ceasefire intention: Thai govt
Cambodia is continuing to attack Thailand and deploy more weapons near the border despite its claimed intention to cease fire, according to Thai authorities. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Sunday that Cambodia had opened fire on Thai soil and Thailand had called for a ceasefire long before Cambodia did. Cambodia attacked Thailand and just called for a ceasefire while claiming that Thailand was the invader, he said. 'Cambodia has opened the firing frontier for as far as 800 kilometres from the Northeast to Trat province (in the East),' Mr Phumtham said. 'The attacks affect civilians along the border. We condemn the acts of Cambodia as international crimes against civilians, which violate international laws,' he said. During his visit to Trat province which borders Cambodia on Sunday, Mr Phumtham said Cambodia had used heavy weapons which damaged houses, hospitals and a petrol station in Thailand. Thai authorities had no choice but to take defensive measures, he said. Cambodia could prove that it sincerely wanted a ceasefire by withdrawing its forces from the border, he said. Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said Cambodia continuously fired its long-range weapons, and shells hit many non-military locations in northeastern provinces, including Ban Sammoeng hospital in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket Saturday afternoon. There were no casualties because the facility had been evacuated beforehand, he said. Movements on the Cambodian side suggested the possible deployment of high-performance multi-barrel rocket launchers, including PHL-03, RM-70 and BM-21 systems, prompting concern from Thailand, the army spokesman said. 'Cambodia has not stopped attacking Thailand with all kinds of weapons. The army confirms it will exercise its full capacities to respond to the attacks and aim only at the military targets which threaten public safety,' Maj Gen Winthai said. RAdm Surasant Kongsiri, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, said Cambodia fired artillery and multi-barrel rocket launchers at hospitals and houses and used its citizens as human shields by deploying the weapon launchers in its citizens' communities. 'Such actions represent an inhumane use of innocent people and are a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions,' he said. RAdm Surasant also claimed Cambodia had been reinforcing its military presence along the border, laying anti-personnel landmines, levelling unfounded accusations against Thailand, and increasingly deploying heavy weaponry, including the PHL-03, RM-70 and BM-21 systems. He said Cambodian attacks had killed 13 Thai civilians and injured 36 others, including 11 who were seriously wounded. Deputy Defence Minister Gen Natthaphon Narkphanit said Cambodia had repeatedly shown its insincerity. A clear example occurred when Cambodian troops withdrew from Chong Bok on June 8 – but left landmines there. Cambodia again showed insincerity by firing at Thailand early Sunday morning after discussing its ceasefire intention with United States President Donald Trump at 11pm Saturday, Gen Natthaphon said. "Cambodia started firing at 2am after a talk with Mr Trump at 11pm. That's insincerity. The armed forces feel sorry that its targets were civilians," the deputy defence minister said. He admitted he was concerned about Cambodia's long-range weapons which could fire rockets at distances of over 100 kilometres.
