In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing border conflict, Royal Thai Army soldiers have raised the Thai flag over Phu Makhuea Mountain, a strategic position located deep inside disputed northern Cambodian territory, following intense clashes on Saturday.
The move underscores Thailand’s aggressive stance in the conflict, which has now entered its third day of heavy fighting along multiple border sectors. Reports indicate the clashes involved artillery strikes, drone attacks, and the use of heavy armor, marking one of the most significant military escalations in Southeast Asia in over a decade.
The mountain, considered a tactically vital position for controlling border movement, has long been at the center of territorial disputes between the two nations. Both Cambodia and Thailand accuse each other of initiating the violence, with previous incidents rooted in century-old sovereignty disputes dating back to the French colonial era.
The international community, including ASEAN, the United States, and China, has called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent a broader regional crisis. However, Bangkok continues to reject third-party mediation, insisting on bilateral negotiations even as fighting intensifies.
This latest development significantly raises the stakes, as capturing disputed positions could push the conflict beyond limited skirmishes and trigger a full-scale military confrontation.
