File photo for reference only

 

The Thai army has raised concerns that foreigners may be operating Cambodian bomber drones used in ongoing border clashes. Radio exchanges during drone attacks reportedly featured English, raising suspicions about who might be controlling these aerial assaults.

 

This announcement from the 2nd Army Area, which oversees northeastern Thailand, came through a Facebook post on Thursday morning. This raised suspicions that Cambodian soldiers may not be the ones operating the drones. At key moments, the word "finished" was noted during the exchange, and just as drone attacks paused, motorcyclists were spotted leaving hills near the Chong An Ma area in Ubon Ratchathani.

 

Earlier this year, social media buzzed with theories that foreigners, potentially Russians, were aiding Cambodia’s military effort. This stemmed from a photograph of two tall, muscular men in military gear alongside Cambodian soldiers. Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, then deputy defence minister, stated these men were Cambodian officers known also as athletes and YouTubers. He added there was no evidence of any Russian-language communication during military operations, though investigations continued.

 

The Cambodian bomber drones in question are first-person view (FPV) drones equipped with 82-mm mortar rounds and controlled via optical fibre links. Each assault typically receives support from slower-moving target identification drones. The strategy involves using suicide drones to attack Thai bunkers, with shrapnel causing harm to soldiers seeking cover, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thai army suspects foreign involvement in Cambodian drone operations.
• English transmissions linked to foreign operators during clashes.
• Investigations continue without conclusive evidence of foreign control.

Related Story:

Cambodia Amasses 4,000 Chinese Drones, Sparking Thai Alarm

Thailand & Cambodia Deploy Drones for Joint Border Survey

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-12-12

 

 

 

I bet it's those 60-day visa-exempt border runners who are responsible for bombing Thailand with  war drones....

 

Why not....They have been blamed for everything else bad, scams, money laundering etc...

The Thai blame game culture at it's best. 

So, English was used in a radio exchange.

 

Could the Thai military be more specific?

 

Which English accent(s) was (were) heard? - once of the American English accents (east coast, west coast, mid west, Texan, etc.), or one of the multitude of English English accents, an Australian or New Zealand accent, or possible a Malaysia accented English, a Hong Kong accented English, or Russian accented English, etc.

 

Does the Thai military have a recording of the exchange?  If so, they could post it here and the AN members could help identify the country(ies) of origin of the speakers.

A scouser accent. The lads are blaming Thailand for Liverpool's failures.

I said the other day Thailand may have more tanks but tanks are no match for a drone. 

10 hours ago, webfact said:

At key moments, the word "finished" was noted during the exchange

 

Are they sure it wasn't somebody asking for a "b'ol o wa'er"?

13 hours ago, webfact said:

The Thai army has raised concerns that foreigners may be operating Cambodian bomber drones used in ongoing border clashes. Radio exchanges during drone attacks reportedly featured English, raising suspicions about who might be controlling these aerial assaults.

 

Yes, Cambodians are foreigners in Thailand, and, yes, many can speak English well... 😆

big surprise - Russian involvement 

 

Time to end putin - time for the west to step up and put an end to his nonsense, western military in Ukraine gloves off

Sazzle Frazz;e Razzle Dazzle....would have gotten away with it if it wasn't for those pesky kids and Scooby Doo.

On 12/12/2025 at 3:36 AM, webfact said:

Radio exchanges during drone attacks reportedly featured English, raising suspicions about who might be controlling these aerial assaults.

 

Probably, Brits hired by Cambodian army. They gained very much drone warfare experience in Ukraine.

9 hours ago, smedly said:

big surprise - Russian involvement 

 

Time to end putin - time for the west to step up and put an end to his nonsense, western military in Ukraine gloves off

I agree with you, but there is another one whose time should come to an end.

Orange or not orange, that is the question. 

4 minutes ago, BerndD said:

I agree with you, but there is another one whose time should come to an end.

Orange or not orange, that is the question. 

 

Yes, Zelensky's days are counted!

9 hours ago, smedly said:

big surprise - Russian involvement 

 

Time to end putin - time for the west to step up and put an end to his nonsense, western military in Ukraine gloves off

 

Quote

He added there was no evidence of any Russian-language communication during military operations, though investigations continued.

 

20 minutes ago, Hakuna Matata said:

 

 

Chinese taking English lessons

So "finished" was the only word heard in English? (and in aviation speak it would be "over and out" if. it was actually a sign off and not 'target destroyed". Too little information, as usual. Back to the Bonnie Blue saga.

On 12/12/2025 at 3:36 AM, webfact said:

Earlier this year, social media buzzed with theories that foreigners, potentially Russians, were aiding Cambodia’s military effort.

 

And when the Thai army listened in on their walkie-talkie chatter, they spoke English... right...

I hope no one is suggesting that the Thai government and armed forces are using propaganda. What gets me is how Thai TV and social media outlets are on the front line. When will we start getting nightly replay packages and other featured items such as hits of the day.

10 hours ago, smedly said:

big surprise - Russian involvement 

 

Time to end putin - time for the west to step up and put an end to his nonsense, western military in Ukraine gloves off

You gotta have a military to stand up to Russians 😂😂😂

21 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Yes, Cambodians are foreigners in Thailand, and, yes, many can speak English well... 😆

My thoughts too... I don't think Thailand would do well in a drone war.... they may have tanks and artillery but drones used effectively will beat them

Interesting!

After The Thai Airforce's bombing and destruction of PreH Vihear Temple, one of Cambodia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, I wondered  if these armed drones were capable of reaching these targets?  

 

Thailand has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including cultural sites like the Historic Cities of Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, and Si Thep, the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, and natural wonders like the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Sanctuaries, and the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, showcasing ancient kingdoms and rich biodiversity. 

Cultural Sites (Cultural Landscape)

On 12/12/2025 at 6:36 AM, webfact said:

2-mm mortar rounds and controlled via optical fibre links. Each assault

Optical fibre links?

How does that work?

Very long optical fibre cables?

Who cares who flys them, it they were another governments military personnel then yeah, complain, but if not...who cares.

11 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

Optical fibre links?

How does that work?

Very long optical fibre cables?

Yes...keep up with the tech

10 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

Yes...keep up with the tech

Well aware of tech.I spent a lifetime working with tech as an engineer. Using fibre optic cables is old tech and very inefficient. Trailing a kilometre or more of optic cable is crazy.

On 12/12/2025 at 6:51 AM, redwood1 said:

I bet it's those 60-day visa-exempt border runners who are responsible for bombing Thailand with  war drones....

 

Why not....They have been blamed for everything else bad, scams, money laundering etc...

no cambodian could do that ???????

4 hours ago, Mario Cosmopolite said:

So "finished" was the only word heard in English? (and in aviation speak it would be "over and out" if. it was actually a sign off and not 'target destroyed". Too little information, as usual. Back to the Bonnie Blue saga.

Technically this is wrong. In "aviation speak", 

"over" means "I have finished speaking and expect a reply", and "out" means "I have finished speaking and do not expect a reply".

To use both is unclear, contradictory, and not approved.

1 hour ago, emptypockets said:

Optical fibre links?

How does that work?

Very long optical fibre cables?

Yes.

5 minutes ago, Grusa said:

Yes.

Ok

It was that Brit who shat in the gutter and bathed in the public fountain to remove the remnants.