Thailand Cambodia War Timeline Explained?

Summary

The video explores the ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia over their contested border, particularly around ancient temples. Highlighting military strategies, the video contrasts Cambodia's use of BM21 Grad rocket launchers with Thailand's deployment of F-16 fighter jets. It delves into the historical context of the border dispute, dating back to colonial-era treaties, and details the escalating violence, including missile attacks and airstrikes in 2025. The technical workings of both weapon systems are also examined, showing the devastating firepower and tactical maneuvers employed in the conflict.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Thailand-Cambodia border crisis is deeply rooted in colonial history, with unresolved boundary issues dating back to early 1900s Franco treaties.
• 😀 The ancient temples along the border, including Praza Tamun, Tam and Priya Vehir, have been a central point of contention between the two nations.
• 😀 The conflict escalated in May 2025 with gunfire exchanges between Thai and Cambodian soldiers, leading to civilian casualties and military preparations for larger confrontations.
• 😀 By July 2025, military tensions peaked with both sides accusing each other of provocations, leading to increased military mobilization along the border.
• 😀 The July 24, 2025, clash saw Cambodian BM21 Grad rockets launched into Thai territory, followed by Thai airstrikes using F-16 fighter jets.
• 😀 The BM21 Grad rocket launchers used by Cambodia are highly effective due to their low cost ($2,000 per rocket), simplicity, and shoot-and-scoot tactics.
• 😀 The BM21 Grad system can launch up to 40 rockets in just 20 seconds, covering a lethal zone of 36 hectares and causing widespread chaos and psychological impact.
• 😀 The BM21 Grad system uses a standard six-wheeled truck and can fire unguided rockets, with the 9M22U rocket being a common choice due to its payload and range.
• 😀 The Thai military relies on F-16 fighter jets for precision strikes, using air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and guided bombs to neutralize enemy positions.
• 😀 The F-16 can fire the AM120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile and GBU39 guided bombs, providing extensive coverage and control over the battlefield from the air.

Q & A

What is the historical root of the Thailand-Cambodia border crisis?

The conflict's origins can be traced back to colonial-era treaties, particularly the Franco-Siamese treaties of the early 1900s, which left boundaries poorly defined and prone to future disputes.

Why is the area around the temples significant in the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict?

The ancient temples along the border, like Praza Tamun Tam and Priya Vehir, hold strategic and cultural significance, making them focal points of competing national claims.

What event marked the escalation of the conflict in May 2025?

In May 2025, gunfire erupted at the Emerald Triangle when Thai and Cambodian soldiers exchanged shots, leading to the death of a Cambodian soldier and fueling accusations from both sides.

How did Thailand respond to the escalating conflict in June and July 2025?

Thailand increased its military presence along the border, accused Cambodia of provocations, and began preparations for potential escalation, including raising military alerts.

What triggered the full-scale escalation on July 24, 2025?

The escalation began when Thai troops reported the presence of Cambodian drones near Praza Tamun Tam, followed by a skirmish involving armed Cambodian soldiers and shots fired near a Thai base, escalating into full combat by the morning.

What military assets did Thailand use in response to Cambodian rocket fire?

Thailand deployed F-16 fighter jets to carry out airstrikes on Cambodian military positions, aimed at neutralizing BM21 rocket and artillery sites, thus reducing the threat to Thai soldiers and civilians.

What is the BM21 Grad rocket launcher, and why is it still used by Cambodia?

The BM21 Grad is a Soviet-era rocket launcher known for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness (around $2,000 per rocket), and its ability to deliver a large volume of firepower. It remains in use due to its low cost and high effectiveness in modern combat.

How does the BM21 Grad launcher operate in the field?

The BM21 is mounted on a Euro 375 truck and can launch up to 40 rockets in rapid succession. It is used to deliver massive firepower over a wide area, making it ideal for disrupting enemy formations and creating psychological impact.

What is the range of the BM21 Grad rockets, and how effective are they?

The BM21 Grad rockets have a range of 5 to 20 km, depending on the variant, and are effective at creating chaos over a large area, covering a lethal zone of about 36 hectares at maximum range.

How does the Thai military use the F-16 fighter jet in combat?

The F-16 is a multi-role fighter capable of carrying air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM, air-to-surface missiles like the AGM-65 Maverick, and guided bombs like the GBU39. It is used to neutralize enemy targets with precision, including using its guns for close combat.