Phu Makua Hill, in Thailand’s Si Sa Ket province, had been quiet for a long time, until it became a flashpoint in the recent Thailand and Cambodia border conflict.
Before the deadly battle in late July, Thai people had only really learnt of its existence after it was reported that Cambodian troops built steps and makeshift cable cars on it, about which Thailand had protested for numerous times.
Phu Makua is now, however, under the complete control of the Thai Army, which secured the hill just hours before the ceasefire took effect at midnight on July 28.
Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang (centre), commander of the Second Army Region, visits Thai troops stationed at Phu Makua on August 5.
It took military vehicles, from Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province, about 45 minutes to get to the top of the hill. A trip on September 11 was the first time a group of civilians had been allowed to explore the hill, since the Thai armed forces took control of it.
Important escarpments along the Thailand-Cambodia border
Among the 11 other Thai-secured flashpoints along the Thailand-Cambodia border, Phu Makua is one of the most important for the military, according to a Thai soldier stationed there.
Geographically, from the Thai side, Phu Makua Hill lies within a 4.6km2 area close to Pha Mo E Dang and Preah Vihear hills.
Looking from the top of Phu Makua’s escarpment helps the military to monitor any troop movements on the far side of Preah Vihear Hill, as Pha Mo E Dang, also in Thai territory, can help monitor the other side.
The outcome
Back in July, Thai army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree proclaimed that Cambodia had violated the MOU, signed by the two countries in 2000, by constructing the cable car and steps, which altered the topography and environment of the area.
On the ground that day, two Thai flags were raised on the cliff, among the debris of Cambodia’s makeshift cable car and parts abandoned in the former Cambodian base when their troops retreated.
Thai troops erect a new flagpole and hoist new national flag after securing Phu Makua hill.
Now, a cement road is being constructed, from the foot of Phu Makua Hill to the top. Recently, Gen Songwit Noonpakdee, Supreme Commander of the Thai Armed Forces, named the road ‘Thai Warriors’.
Photo courtesy of Facebook: Wassana Nanuam
There is a long way to go to restore the good mutual relationship, but a soldier, stationed on Phu Makua Hill, says that he hopes that the two governments will be able to ease the tensions, so that Thailand and Cambodia can be good neighbours again.
