28/07/2025
Unmasking the Truth: Why the Gas Station Attack in Thailand Could Not Have Come from Cambodia
As a Cambodian citizen, I write this not with hostility, but with a sincere commitment to clarity and truth. In moments of conflict, misinformation can escalate violence and mislead the public. This article is a respectful, fact-based appeal to the international community—and to our neighbors in Thailand—to look deeper into the evidence and judge fairly.
During the recent escalation of conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, one of the most alarming incidents reported was the alleged rocket attack on a gas station in Sisaket Province, Thailand. Thai authorities accused Cambodia of launching a BM-21 Grad rocket that caused civilian casualties. However, technical analysis and visual evidence strongly contradict this claim.
The BM-21 Grad rocket system utilizes 122mm rockets with a maximum effective range of roughly 20 kilometers under optimal conditions. This system is well-documented and universally understood to have clear operational limits. Any target situated beyond this range cannot physically be reached by such a rocket.
Satellite-based measurements reveal that the distance from the Cambodian military position near Angkrong to the gas station in Sisaket is approximately 24.27 kilometers—well beyond the operational range of the BM-21 Grad.
A dashcam video recorded around the time of the reported incident shows the environment near the gas station during the crucial first 30 seconds. The footage shows:
- No visible rocket or missile in flight
- No explosion or aerial detonation
- Civilians and vehicles moving without distress or alarm
- No audible signs of incoming fire or military strike
The lack of any visible or audible signs of attack raises legitimate questions about the accuracy of the official claim.
Conclusion:
When evaluating the known range limitations of the BM-21 system alongside the geographic distance and video evidence, it is evident that Cambodia could not have carried out the alleged civilian attack using the weapon it is accused of employing.
This serious inconsistency demands the attention of neutral international observers. We urge organizations such as ASEAN and the United Nations to step in and independently verify the facts. Truth must not be a casualty of political pressure.
I respectfully call on Thai governments to de-escalate hostilities, permit independent investigations, and allow facts—not assumptions—to guide international understanding. Only with truth can peace be restored and justice ensured for all affected communities.