Phu Makhuea

Phu Makhuea
Phnom Trap
Phu Makhuea
Phu Makhuea
Phu Makhuea (Cambodia)
Highest point
Coordinates14°24′06″N 104°39′29″E / 14.401667°N 104.658056°E / 14.401667; 104.658056
Naming
Native name
  • ภูมะเขือ (Thai)
  • ភ្នំត្រប់ (Khmer)
Geography
LocationCambodia–Thailand border
Parent rangeDongrak

Phu Makhuea[a] (as it is known in Thai) or Phnom Trap (as it is known in Khmer) is a hill located on the Cambodia–Thailand border, near Preah Vihear. The area is contested by both Thailand and Cambodia, and has been a major flashpoint in the 2008–2013 and 2025 border conflicts between the two countries.

During the 2008 conflict, a request for interpretation was submitted to the International Court of Justice, which ruled that its 1962 ruling which had awarded sovereignty over the temple to Cambodia did not extend to Phnom Trap, the dispute over which would need to be solved through bilateral means.[1][2] The hill saw extensive fighting after clashes erupted in the 2025 conflict.[3]

September 2025

In 2025, during the Cambodian–Thai border crisis, the Royal Thai Army captured Phu Makuea (Phnom Trap) from Cambodian forces.[4] The hill has remained under Thai control up to September 2025, although its sovereignty continues to be disputed by Cambodia.[5]

Notes

  1. ^ Thai: ภูมะเขือ, also spelled Phu Makhua, Phu Makua, etc.

References

  1. ^ Muntarbhorn, Vitit (13 November 2013). "ICJ sets down Preah Vihear ground rules". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
  2. ^ "Partial victory at the ICJ". The Phnom Penh Post. 12 November 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
  3. ^ "Thai troops secure Phu Ma Kua, raise the national flag after Cambodian assaults". nationthailand. 2025-07-26. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  4. ^ "Thai Army Seizes Cambodian Weapons Cache, Reports 10 Killed at Phu Makua" nationthailand. 2025-07-26. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
  5. ^ "Thai soldiers secure Phu Ma Kua, raise the national flag after Cambodian assaults"nationthailand. 2025-07-26. Retrieved 2025-09-29.