Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army has clarified that the Cambodian military did not unilaterally seize the contested area of Phu Makhuea, emphasizing that the ongoing issue would be resolved through peaceful means. Phu Makhuea is a region claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia, and the Thai military remains committed to its stance of non-aggression and peaceful conflict resolution.

According to Thai News Agency, the recent reports suggesting that Cambodian soldiers had seized Phu Makhuea, near the Preah Vihear Temple, by constructing a cable car and stairs were addressed by Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari, the army spokesman. He confirmed that both Thai and Cambodian military bases are present in the area, facing each other, and that the Cambodian forces have not crossed the operational line as per Thailand’s 1:50,000 scale map. The dispute over Phu Makhuea dates back to 2011 when Cambodia sought an interpretation from the International Court of Justice regarding the original verdict, especially concerning the area surro
unding Preah Vihear Temple, claimed by both nations. Thailand relies on the watershed line as per the 1:50,000 scale map from the Royal Thai Survey Department, whereas Cambodia uses a 1:200,000 scale map. During the dispute, both countries mobilized their forces to the area and established bases.

Historically, the Cambodian side accessed the top of Phu Makhuea by constructing a cable car and stairs due to the steep terrain. Recently, they have built a road along the shoulder of the mountain on their side to facilitate access to the summit. While the construction of the cable car and road has not crossed the Thai military’s operational line, it has been viewed as an environmental alteration and a violation of the MOU 2000 agreement.

The Thai military has been documenting these developments and has been protesting through local military cooperation mechanisms, consistently maintaining its position of non-invasion and peaceful conflict resolution.